Super Efficient Compact Kilowatt Laser (SPECKLE)
Navy SBIR FY2018.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1
Topic No.: N181-062
Topic Title: Super Efficient Compact Kilowatt Laser (SPECKLE)
Proposal No.: N181-062-0094
Firm: SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY INC
15 WARD STREET
SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts 2143
Contact: Mehmet Dogan
Phone: (617) 547-1122
Web Site: http://SRL.COM
Abstract: The Navy and the DoD have made a substantial investment in fiber-based high-energy lasers (HELs). Low size, weight and power (SWaP) is required for deployment of the HELs on mobile platforms. The SWaP of fiber-based HELs is largely dictated by the efficiency and SWaP of laser diode fiber coupled modules (FCMs). SRL�?Ts patent protected ITAR technology provides the highest efficiency and lowest SWaP FCMs for several reasons including: ? It uses high fill-factor (20%) laser diode bars with emitter spacing of 500 microns, ? Lowest resistance microchannel coolers that preserve efficiency and brightness at high operating power, and ? Direct bonding of the laser diode bars to the copper microchannel coolers. Under Phase 1, SRL will experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of a 60% efficient, kilowatt, low-SWaP (0.6cc/W, 0.6g/W) FCM. Such FCMs are essential for ship-based defense. It is noteworthy that there are no state-of-the-art or commercial-off-the-shelf kilowatt FCMs available. In Phase 2 SRL will deliver six, 60% efficient low-SWaP FCMs to a facility of the Navy�?Ts choosing. These FCMs will be the basis for demonstrating a >45%, 5kW high-power fiber laser.
Benefits: The kilowatt fiber coupled module (FCM) will enable 5kW high-power fiber lasers, which results in high energy lasers (HELs) with significantly lower size, weight and power (SWaP). At present there are no low SWaP kilowatt COTS FCMs. Starting in 2019, the market for these devices is predicted to be 400-500 units per year for the next three years as the Navy and DoD install pre-prototypes on ships and aircraft. The monetary market size is approximately $15 million. By 2022 the market is predicted to grow by 10X, to $150 million, with an annual growth rate of 20%.

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