Versatile Two Micron Light Source

Project Information

VERTIGO

Grant agreement ID: 034692

Project closed

Start date 1 June 2006

End date 30 November 2009

Funded under

• Information Society Technologies: thematic priority under the specific programme "Integrating and strengthening the European research area" (2002-2006).

Total cost € 3 201 906,00

EU contribution € 1 900 000,00

Coordinated by

FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V
Germany

Exploitable results

Disk laser technology takes a leap

The VERTIGO project has developed a new, versatile photonic component: Optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSDLs), emitting in the 1.9 – 2.8 µm wavelength range. The project has mastered all relevant aspects in order to establish a mature long-wavelength GaSb-based disk laser technology: knowledge of the GaSb-based semiconductor materials for the laser design; high-quality semiconductor fabrication using Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), mature chip mounting and thermal management techniques; design of compact and robust laser modules and the demonstration of application specific laser setups. The semiconductor lasers, developed within VERTIGO represent a new class of high-power, high brightness, 2.Xµm laser source with many modes of operation and application. Continuous-wave output powers as high as 8W and pulsed outputs above 20W have been demonstrated from a compact and low-cost laser format. This represents a three order of magnitude improvement over the state-of-the- art technology at the time VERTIGO commenced. In addition to world-leading output power performances, wide wavelength accessibility from 1.8 to 2.8µm and individual tunability over 150nm from these lasers demonstrates their inherent flexibility and suitability for many applications. The versatility of the external cavity was then utilised in the demonstration of narrow line width and single frequency operation using a volume Bragg grating as an output coupler. In this way a frequency selective low noise prototype seed source for a solid-state amplified LIDAR system has been realised. Finally, the high brightness (good beam quality) available from the OPSDL format has been exploited by using a single-mode external waveguide modulator in concert with a 2.2µm OPSDL to produce an eye-safe modulated source able to carry information further than existing NIR FSO systems. The single frequency operation and modulated outputs of up to 200MHz, compact, high-power pulsed OPSDL embodiments have direct relevance to many applications areas. All this has been achieved using potentially low-cost components due to the flexibility of the OPSDL format. Within the project programme, engineering prototypes were developed in a robust, modular and reconfigurable geometry leading to commercial prototypes which will permit new approaches to address important existing and emerging challenges where flexible, high-power, narrow-line, user-friendly and cost-effective sources are required. Examples of such areas are: - Airport sensing and security - Resource assessment and management in the renewable energy industry - Sensitive detection for environmental monitoring at range for applications health and security Application areas and exploitation routes At the outset of the VERTIGO programme it was stated clearly that there were many and varied applications for stable and versatile 2.Xµm OPSDL technology, in fact the 2-3µm region has been described by many as 'applications rich' and 'source poor'. The two applications areas of FSO and wind-LIDAR that were chosen were viewed as demonstrator areas for the technology with the most interest and immediate routes to real-world deployment. As VERTIGO developed the consortium partners have become more aware of the shortcomings of the FSO industry as a whole, and which of the other sectors are currently most promising. During the course of the VERTIGO programme a large number of further opportunities have emerged with potential commercial interest. The VERTIGO technology forms the potential basis for a solid, economic sensor laser technology able to set new standards in the local and global monitoring of the environment, industrial process, airport and aircraft safety and renewable wind energy production. Also, augmented VERTIGO OPSDL technology may be employed in the security sectors - in the detection of chemical and IEDs and in covert communications amongst others. These sectors are addressable either by directly adapting the lasers to these roles or by using the OPSDLs as a stable pump or seed platform for secondary stage laser systems where the attractive and unique properties developed may be used to their full potential.