A. Kohfeldt^a, C. Kürbis^a, E. Luvsandamdin^a, M. Schiemangk^a,b, A. Wicht^a,b, A. Peters^a,b, G. Erbert^a, and G. Tränkle^a

Published in:

Proc. SPIE 9900, SPIE Photonics Europe, Brussels, Belgium, Apr. 3-7, 99001G (2016).

Abstract:

We have realized a laser platform based on GaAs diode lasers that allows for an operation in mobile experimental setups in harsh environments, such as on sounding rockets. The platform comes in two versions: a master-oscillator-power-amplifier and an extended cavity diode laser. Our very robust micro-optical bench has a footprint of 80 × 25mm². It strictly omits any movable parts. Master-oscillator-power-amplifier systems based on distributed feedback master oscillators for 767nm and 780nm narrow linewidth emission have been implemented by now. A continuous wave optical output power of >1W with a power conversion efficiency of >25% could be achieved. The continuous tuning range of these lasers is on the order of 100 GHz, the linewidth at 10 µs is about 1 MHz. For applications demanding a narrower linewidth we have developed an extended cavity diode laser that achieves a linewidth of 100 kHz at 10 µs. These lasers achieve a continous spectral tuning range of about 50 GHz and an continuous wave optical power up to 30mW. The modules have been successfully vibration tested up to 29 g_RMS along all three axes and passed 1500 g shocks, again along all 3 axes. Both, master-oscillator-power-amplifiers and extended cavity diode lasers, have been employed in sounding rocket experiments.

Keywords:

Semiconductor laser, MOPA, ECDL, space, sounding rocket.

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