Project Title:

Efficient, Low-Timing-Jitter Pulsed Lasers for Space Communications

14.06-0755
NAS7-1076
Efficient, Low-Timing-Jitter Pulsed Lasers for
	Space Communications
Lightwave Electronics Corporation
	1161 San Antonio Road
	Mountain View, CA 94043
		William M. Grossman
(415-962-0755)

Abstract:

	A laser-diode-pumped, solid-state laser that delivers high energy per pulse is needed
for space communications. In this project, a full-power, laboratory version of such
a laser will be designed, built, and tested. The laser will be tailored for use in
data transmission by pulse position modulation. Over 0.1 millijoules per pulse at
pulse repetition rates of up to 5 kilohertz will be produced; this will be the highest
power available in a diode-pumped system at such a high repetition rate. Design options
to allow even higher power will be considered. The laser will be diode-pumped in
an end-pumped geometry for high efficiency and will use the emerging generation of
high-brightness, 3-watt laser diodes. In addition to high pulsed power, the laser
will have two more novel features that will make it ideal for pulse position modulation:intrinsically
low timing jitter and timing delay independent of the interpulse period. The laser
will be able to run with constant energy per pulse to higher repetition rates than
any available solid-state laser.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: This pulsed laser will be used in the electronics
industry for direct repair of integrated circuits where it will have superior power
to present diode-pumped lasers.^R
laser, diode-pumping, Q-switch, Nd:YAG, Communications