Lasers

• Near Infrared Tunable Solid-State Lasers Using Cr4+ Doped Crystals and Structures
• II-VI Compounds for Quantum Cascade Lasers

Near Infrared Tunable Solid-State Lasers Using Cr4+ Doped Crystals and Structures

Applications: High-speed telecommunications and eye safe lasers for military and medical applications

Project Description: Develop a fundamental understanding of the optical processes in complex crystals and glass ceramic structures. Determine the optimal chemical composition and techniques for preparation of crystalline and glass Cr4+-doped materials suitable for construction of ultra-wide band optical amplifiers, optical sensing materials, and laser materials and structures for the near-infrared region (1-1.6mm). Develop all-solid-state, near-infrared compact tunable high energy and high power Cr4+-doped forsterite, Cunyite, and Cr4+: YAG lasers, tunable over the 1.4 – 1.5 mm wavelength region.
Benefits: Greater bandwidth WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) applications. Permits broader application of eye-safe lasers in battlefield applications.

II-VI Compounds for Quantum Cascade Lasers

Applications: Ultrafast optical communications

Project Description: Develop wide band gap II-VI materials for use with Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) at 1.55mm for a new generation of lasers for applications in optical communications.

Benefits: Improve cost and performance of devices