NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : : High-Power, Tunable 828, 935 and 1064 nm Distributed Feedback Lasers

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to develop high-power, tunable 828, 935, and 1064 nm distributed feedback (DFB) diode lasers to enhance NASA laser sensor technologies. These lasers will utilize an established broadened-waveguide design that achieves high output power through improved laser efficiency. A second-order Bragg grating within the laser structure will provide distributed feedback (DFB) for continuous, stable, wavelength tuning. These DFB lasers will emit 50 to 100 mW of single-frequency power that are free of mode hops. In Phase I, an existing 816 nm DFB laser design will be optimized for 828 nm emission. The device will have a single spatial and longitudinal mode at an output power 50 mW. Its current-tuning rate will be -1 GHz/mA, its temperature-tuning rate will be 0.06 nm/K and its spectral linewidth will be 1 MHz. In Phase II, we shall alter the quantum wells of the 828 nm DFB laser to obtain 935 and 1064 nm emission. The output characteristics will be very similar to the 828 nm device: single spatial and longitudinal mode, output power >50 mW, continuous current and temperature tuning, and linewidth <1 MHz.

The devices developed under this SBIR will be commercialized at Sensors Unlimited, adding to our existing single-frequency, tunable-diode-laser product line. The expected higher power of these DFB lasers will further expand our line of moderate (5 mW) power DFB lasers. Sarnoff and Sensors Unlimited collaborate closely on commercial DFB laser development and recently won a 1996 Photonics Spectra New Product Award for our 2765 nm diode laser.

Dr. Jacobus S. Vermaak
Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Building 12
Princeton, NJ 08540

Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Building 12
Princeton, NJ 08540