Robust DPSS Lasers for LIDAR Applications

For the past 25 years Cutting Edge Optronics (CEO) has specialized in the design, development and fielding of DPSS lasers for use in airborne LIDAR applications. Operating in these environments present significant design challenges as lasers are subjected to shocks, vibration, temperature extremes, thermal cycling and noisy aircraft electrical power. CEO presented a talk at this year’s Photonics West conference outlining these challenges and some of the design techniques used to build laser systems that can reliably perform in these environments. CEO also discussed how those same design techniques were used in a new laser system intended for land based LIDAR applications. The rugged design of this new laser (Gigashot-L) makes it well suited for use in remote areas or in laboratories where a “hands off” workhorse of a laser is required.

OutlineCutting Edge OptronicsDPSS Laser ManufacturingKey Application AreasLasers for Airborne LIDARLaser Design EnvelopeDesign ChallengesAirborne Laser DesignEnvironmental FactorsOSL Laser InternalsVerifying DesignPerformance & ReliabilityAdapting Airborne Designs to Ground Based LIDARGigashot-LGround Based LIDAR LaserPerfomanceConclusionDownloads