Pulse Compressor for Long Stretch Factor in High-Energy Ultrafast Fiber Lasers at Eye-Safer Wavelengths Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-130 Topic Title: Pulse Compressor for Long Stretch Factor in High-Energy Ultrafast Fiber Lasers at Eye-Safer Wavelengths Proposal No.: N112-130-0668 Firm: Raydiance, Inc. 1450 N. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, California 94954 Contact: Mike Mielke Phone: (707) 559-2100 Web Site: www.raydiance.com Abstract: Multiple military and civilian applications of ultrafast laser technology become viable at a pulse energy level of 1 millijoule (mJ). While such levels have been demonstrated in femtosecond solid state amplifier systems, such as titanium-sapphire and ytterbium thin disk architectures, these systems rely on multi- element free space optical assemblies that are incompatible with demanding military deployments, as well as in industrial manufacturing venues. To date, 1 mJ pulse energy levels have not been achieved in fiber ultrafast pulse systems. To increase the pulse energy output of fiber systems, Raydiance proposes to advance the capabilities of the critical, final element in the amplifier chain-the pulse compressor. Raydiance will develop a 3 nanosecond (ns) pulse compressor that is compact, robust, and readily handles high pulse energy and average power. More specifically, Raydiance and its partner, OptiGrate, will design the optical geometry of a multi-pass chirped Bragg grating (CBG) compressor, demonstrate CBG devices specifically designed for the multi-pass configuration, and execute bench top experiments to validate the 3 ns compressor concept. In a Phase I Option, Raydiance will test the CBG devices in an end-to-end chirped pulse amplification system. Benefits: Increasing output pulse energy capabilities of USP lasers will have broad commercial and military implications. In the commercial sector, higher pulse energy will enable multiple high value manufacturing opportunities, particularly those that demand the precise ablation of polymers and dielectrics. In addition, higher pulse energies through improved compression technology makes possible higher throughput rates, as well as the potential to split beams for parallel processing or harmonic conversion to ultraviolet wavelengths. Markets that stand to benefit from these advantages include micro-medical devices, semiconductor fabrication, microfluidics, solar cell scribing, medical therapies, automotive, and industrial safety products. Defense applications that stand to benefit from advanced compressor technology include ship and aircraft defense, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Neutralizing the threat of man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to commercial aircraft is still another potential market of interest for this technology. While this market is still emerging, several companies are working to develop the capability. Raydiance's high pulse energy fiber systems will provide a potential solution. Return