Solid-State Multiple-Pass Amplifier for Diode Pumped Coherent Laser Radar Systems

摘要

Requirements for a sensitive, accurate sensor for applications in space-basedstrategic defense and target recognition point to the need for the development of very robust, agile coherent laser radar instruments. Recent advanced in high power pulsed and continuous-wave (CW) laser diode adn diode array technology has prompted a renaissance in the use of solid-state laser transmitters in coherent and incoherent laser radar systems. In particular, all-diode-pumped coherent laser radar systems now appear feasible for ground-, air-, and space-based applications where electrical power (efficiency), size, and weight considerations are very important. The unattended lifetime, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and beam quality of such an all-solid-state laser radar are expected to be improved upon over both CO2 and flashlamp-pumped solid-state systems. In most applications where atmospheric turbulence is not too serve, the performance of the shorter wavelength all-solid-state laser radar systems exceeds that of the longer wavelength CO2 systems. (RRH)