Photonic-Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers (PCSELS) in the Near-Infrared (NIR)

The Navy seeks innovations in PCSELs that combine novel in-plane photonic crystal designs with out-of-plane epitaxial and gain structures to overcome the limitations of current approaches and produce the next generation of semiconductor laser technologies. Current PCSEL architectures face power-scaling limitations as device aperture increases because the mode margin between the desired fundamental mode and competing higher-order modes decreases, making stable, single-mode, diffraction operations increasingly difficult at higher powers. Capabilities that enable single mode, high power density, combinable lasers in the one-micron regime are the focus for any near-term transition. Concepts that maximize laser device area above previous limits, either by increasing the number of photons generated per unit area or increasing conversion efficiency, are potential options. Other potential approaches include reducing optical, electrical, and other losses – either with single devices, or through multi-device combinations. For example, stacking multiple gain regions vertically and horizontally, a successful technique used in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers ( VCSELs) arrays, may limit current PCSEL designs because of interactions between n++/p++ tunnel junctions in gain layers introducing unwanted absorption. Means to correct this issue through material modification might offer counteracting but beneficial additional total gain from a single device – especially when combined in the far field. Similarly, adding optical features as part of the photonic crystal to extend single-mode operation, especially those with higher conductivity material might reduce thermal distortions and lead to better performance even at the potential limits of vertical heat conduction. Further, adaptive metasurfacing of an existing PCSEL device (through micro- or nano-etching) might create new surface structures that modify laser output to enable more efficient photon conversion through the development of improved cavity properties. The potential to demonstrate military utility by showing power scalability greater than single digit watts from an individual PSCEL, while maintaining single mode operation that result in combinable Solid State Lasers (SSLs) sources (through spectral beam combining or coherent beam combining) or other resonant gain media structures - where the result is a single mode - where emissions has already been demonstrated from fiber lasers, but can potentially be replaced by a single PCSEL integrated optical device - opens up the possibility of high energy laser (HEL) single stage output. The Navy desires higher power, higher efficiency laser and optics to increase engagement ranges, even in adverse marine atmospheric conditions. The Navy seeks an approach with a scalable demonstration device in the evaluation of new combinable PCSEL devices that support Electro-magnetic (EM) Spectrum warfare dominance with an objective of gaining military advantages through increased laser power and efficiency - achieving freedom of action across missions in support of maritime, surface warfare. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and ONR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.