High Output Maximum Efficiency Prototype Diode Pumped Laser for Space Application (original) (raw)

Integrating laser diode pump technology into future space missions

Laser instruments show great potential for a vast array of measurements from space but each new laser system presents substantial technological challenges. In the recent past, low repetition rate (<100Hz), Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers pumped by quasi-continuous wave (QCW) 808 nm LDAs have dominated NASA's space-born laser missions. Other laser technologies -fiber lasers, photonic crystal lasers and hybrids of these with solid state designs -are getting increased attention and stretching possible lasers applications. These lasers rely on (semiconductor) laser diode pumps as their laser energy source. Understanding the laser diode pumps' operational characteristics is critical to assessing the readiness and capability of a laser system. Our group has been working to quantify reliability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and address issues with their use in space. Our research has focused on QCW 808 nm LDAs. In this paper, we will present our recent results and discuss difficulties in gathering statistically significant and relevant data. We will discuss testing strategies to achieve mission success despite these challenges. We will compare fiber coupled diode pump technology to illustrate alternate approaches and address diode pump design trades such as: CW vs. pulsed operation, wavelength, optical coupling, arrays vs. single emitters, packaging, and manufacturing control. We will present results of extended testing where we have operated devices for billions of pulses.

Preliminary experimental and simulation results of the ESA QOMA project: a new DPSS laser source suitable for space applications

High-Power, High-Energy, and High-Intensity Laser Technology; and Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers, 2013

We present preliminary simulation and experimental results obtained in the frame of QOMA project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), involving the design and development of a diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) Nd:YAG laser. The simulation results were obtained using the LASCAD software code, while the experimental results were obtained at the Laboratoire Charles Fabry (France) and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 07/05/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms Proc. of SPIE Vol. 8780 87800R-6 Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 07/05/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

High-efficiency diode-pumped rubidium laser: experimental results

XVI International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers, 2006

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Recent developments in laser resonator design

Optical and Quantum Electronics, 1991

The problems related to resonators suitable for generation of diffraction-limited beams of high power or energy, and a few of the most significant recent solutions, are reviewed. In particular, this paper is addressed to two promising resonator configurations developed mainly for Nd : YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet) lasers: dynamically stable resonators of minimum misalignment sensitivity for lasers with a strong thermal lensing in the active rod and unstable resonators with variable reflectivity output mirrors of super-Gaussian profile. For both cases experimental data and simple design guidelines are discussed.

Novel High-Power, High Repetition Rate Laser Diode Pump Modules Suitable for High-Energy Class Laser Facilities

Instruments, 2019

The latest generation of high-energy-class pulsed laser facilities, under construction or planned, such as EuPRAXIA, require reliable pump sources with high power (many kW), brightness (>1 MW/cm2/sr) and electro-optical conversion efficiency (>50%). These new facilities will be operated at high repetition rates (around 100 Hz) and only diode lasers are capable of delivering the necessary performance. Commercial (quasi-continuous wave, QCW) diode laser pulse-pump sources are, however, constructed as low-cost passively cooled stacked arrays that are limited either in brightness, efficiency or repetition rate. Commercial continuous wave diode laser pumps constructed using microchannel coolers (as used in high-value industrial machine tools) can fulfil all requirements, but are typically not preferred, due to their cost and complexity and the challenges of preventing cooler degradation. A custom solution is shown here to fill this gap, using advanced diode lasers in a novel passiv...

Highly-reliable laser diodes and modules for spaceborne applications

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2010, 2017

Laser applications become more and more interesting in contemporary missions such as earth observations or optical communication in space. One of these applications is light detection and ranging (LIDAR), which comprises huge scientific potential in future missions. The Nd:YAG solid-state laser of such a LIDAR system is optically pumped using 808nm emitting pump sources based on semiconductor laser-diodes in quasi-continuous wave (qcw) operation. Therefore reliable and efficient laser diodes with increased output powers are an important requirement for a spaceborne LIDAR-system. In the past, many tests were performed regarding the performance and lifetime of such laser-diodes. There were also studies for spaceborne applications, but a test with long operation times at high powers and statistical relevance is pending. Other applications, such as science packages (e.g. Raman-spectroscopy) on planetary rovers require also reliable high-power light sources. Typically fiber-coupled laser diode modules are used for such applications. Besides high reliability and lifetime , designs compatible to the harsh environmental conditions must be taken in account. Mechanical loads, such as shock or strong vibration are expected due to takeoff or landing procedures. Many temperature cycles with high change rates and differences must be taken in account due to sun-shadow effects in planetary orbits. Cosmic radiation has strong impact on optical components and must also be taken in account. Last, a hermetic sealing must be considered, since vacuum can have disadvantageous effects on optoelectronics components.

Construction and Characterization of a Pump Source for a Microchip Laser for Space Applications

Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology, 2019

In the context of an apparent increasing interest in remote exploration of rocky celestial bodies, a pulsed microchip laser for time-of-flight range finding applications is under development. This paper addresses the design construction and testing of the pump source for this laser unit. Considering the small mass, miniature size and high pump power the space application requires, open emitter semiconductor lasers become the only real option as a main pumping source. However, this type of geometry is limited by a beam profile with significantly different divergence values on the fast and slow axes. We endeavoured to correct this issue by collimating each of the axis independently. After a design and simulation stage, the lenses were mounted in front of the main pump source with the aid of a custom made wavefront sensor.