STTR Phase I: Spectrally Diverse Ultrafast Lasers

这项小型企业技术转移第一阶段研究项目解决了从可见到中波红外光谱区域的高功率超快激光器的需求。本研究将开发一种高度创新的超快激光系统，该系统基于受激拉曼散射、受激布里渊散射和四波混频之间的耦合，发射亚皮秒脉冲。由于这些过程都不需要与单光子跃迁共振，因此该技术将在几乎任何波长产生超短脉冲。此外，波长的灵活性使泵浦与成熟的，极高功率的二极管和光纤激光源。增益介质的独特特性将使该系统能够缩放到千瓦平均功率水平。具有这种光谱可及性的高功率超快激光系统具有商业潜力。例如，该源可用于避免或瞄准大气和/或物质在中波红外中的吸收。因此，它可以大大改善自由空间地对星通信系统，有效的激光加工/焊接，主动高光谱成像和超快材料研究。

This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project addresses the need for high-power ultrafast lasers from the visible to the mid-wave infrared spectral regions. This research will develop a highly innovative ultrafast laser system emitting sub-picosecond pulses that is based on unexplored coupling between stimulated Raman scattering, stimulated Brillouin scattering, and four-wave mixing. Because none of these processes requires resonance with a single-photon transition, the technique will lead to ultrashort pulse generation at virtually any wavelength. Furthermore, the wavelength flexibility enables pumping with mature, extremely high power diode and fiber laser sources. Unique features of the gain medium will enable scaling of this system to the kilowatt average power level. There is commercial potential for a high-power ultrafast laser system with such spectral accessibility. For instance, this source can be used to avoid or target atmospheric and/or material absorptions in the mid-wave infrared. It could therefore lead for example to greatly improved free-space ground-to-satellite communications systems, efficient laser machining /welding, active hyperspectral imaging, and ultrafast materials research.