NOUR LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N211-022

NOUR LLC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$139,967
Agency
Department of Defense · Navy
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
Topic
N211-022
Solicitation
21.1
NAICS
Place of performance
IL
Period
2021-07-28 → 2022-02-01

Description

The objective of the proposed effort is to develop high-performance mid-wave infrared (MWIR) Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) with a large area aperture achieved through a surface emission architecture.  Compared to a standard edge emitting laser, the extended aperture of the surface emitting laser reduces the optical power density by over two orders of magnitude, thus eliminating the failure mechanism related to catastrophic optical breakdown at the laser facet.  This can be achieved in compact devices which can be produced at reduced cost. In this proposed project, the surface emission architecture will first be optimized with numerical modeling for optimal efficiency and near diffraction limited output.  The numerical modeling will be verified through proof of concept verification of the proposed device.  The potential for power scaling will also be explored with the goal of achieving at least 20 W of output power in continuous operation.