NASA SBIR 00-1 SOLICITATION

FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY

PROPOSAL NUMBER 00-1 23.01-8057 (Chron: 001944 )
PROJECT TITLE
Waveguide Laser for High Data Rate Deep Space Communications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Deep space optical communications requires a laser source and modulation technique for high data bandwidth with low power consumption, diffraction-limited beam quality, and the absolute minimal size/weight. Optical fibers are compact and can efficiently amplify high data rate diode lasers, but do not provide the peak power required for detection over deep space transmit distances. Bulk diode-pumped solid-state lasers can produce the required Q-switched pulse energies, but are not as efficient or robust as guided-wave lasers. Furthermore, bulk lasers require a high voltage Q-switch to accurately time the laser pulses for pulse-position modulation (PPM) formats. Coherent Technologies, Inc. has recently discovered a new waveguide laser geometry that allows TEM00 operation in a multi-transverse mode waveguide capable of high power operation. This geometry is exceptionally compact/lightweight and capable of high conversion efficiency as is typically achieved in fiber lasers. Furthermore, this same technology can be applied to create low voltage (~ 15 V) Q-switches or phase modulators resulting in a nearly monolithic optical communications transmitter. The waveguide laser transmitter is compatible with a variety of data encoding formats, could be used with direct or coherent detection receivers, and will be capable of data rates in excess of 10 Mbps.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Significant commercial opportunity exists for both the component-level technology and the free-space communication architecture. Waveguide lasers power scale beyond the limit of fiber lasers and will outperform bulk lasers at high power continuous-wave and pulsed energy applications due to their compact size and high efficiency. Low voltage waveguide electro-optic modulators will replace free space modulators in many applications. Free-space optical communications is finding niche applications where fiber communications are not feasible.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Wayne Pelouch
Coherent Technologies, Inc.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026 - 9341

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Coherent Technologies, Inc.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026 - 9341