SBIR Phase I: Next-Generation Nonlinear Optical Materials for Production of Ultraviolet Laser Light

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目的重点是展示开发一种新型非线性光学(NLO)材料的可行性。激光系统组件的持续进步对于保持国家技术基础设施的领先地位至关重要。二极管泵浦的固态(DPSS)激光系统是为许多此类应用开发的最重要的技术之一--特别强调在从红外到深紫外光的功率水平和波长的组合上产生迄今尚未实现的相干光。制约DPSS激光技术发展的一个因素是缺乏合适的具有最佳物理性能的激光和非线性光学(NLO)晶体。开发新的、高效的、坚固的、多功能的、易于制造的固定或可调谐频率激光和非线性光学晶体对于DPSS技术的持续发展至关重要。第一阶段的目标是展示开发具有这些所需的非线性光学特性的材料的潜力--再加上对DUV的前所未有的透明度，以及优异的热和机械性能。成功的完成将导致一类新材料的商业化，这将使各种最先进的激光相关产品的生产成为可能。在私营部门，激光材料和系统已成为制造几乎所有以微处理器为基础的电子设备以及各种医疗治疗和诊断程序的关键部件。其他关键的政府和商业用途包括用于污染和大气气体(如臭氧和水蒸气)遥感的传感器、卫星对卫星通信、光学计算和高级通信。显然，这种类型的下一代技术的潜在市场是巨大和多样化的。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused upon demonstrating the feasibility of developing a new class of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Continued advances in laser-based system components are essential for keeping the nation's technology infrastructure at the forefront. Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser systems represent one of the most important technologies being developed for many of these applications-with particular emphasis being placed on generation of coherent light at heretofore unrealized combinations of power levels and wavelengths extending from the IR to the deep UV. A limiting factor in the development of DPSS laser technology is the lack of suitable laser and nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals having optimized physical properties. The development of new, efficient, robust, versatile, and readily manufacturable fixed- or tunable-frequency laser and NLO crystals is essential for the continued advancement of DPSS technologies. Demonstrating the potential to develop materials having these required NLO properties-coupled with unprecedented transparency into the DUV combined with superior thermal and mechanical properties-is the Phase I goal. Successful completion will lead to commercialization of a new class of materials that will enable production of a variety of state-of-the-art laser-related products. In the private sector, laser materials and systems have become critical components in the manufacture of essentially all microprocessor-based electronic devices and in a variety of medical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Other key government and commercial uses include sensors for remote sensing of pollution and atmospheric gases such as ozone and water vapor, satellite-to-satellite communications, optical computing, and advanced communications. Clearly, the potential market for this type of next-generation technology is substantial and diverse.