NGIMAT, LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 26

Description

This SBIR effort will focus on development of ceramic-based optical materials for laser gain media. Lasers developed from these ceramic materials will enable new accelerator research and development that will lead to new discoveries in high-energy physics. The development approach consists of ceramic nanopowder manufacturing, followed by densification into solid bodies shaped for laser resonator cavities. While proof-of-concept work has been demonstrated at the academic level, it has yet to be elevated to large bodies or commercial status. In Phase I, powder batches of rare-earth-doped sesquiode ceramic materials will be produced using a proprietary process to optimize the performance of the powder. Once powder metrics are achieved, sintered ceramic bodies will be produced and tested for photoluminescence and lasing in an optical cavity. During Phase II and beyond, finished ceramic gain media will be sold to laser manufacturers for incorporation into ultrafast lasers used in accelerators. Key words: Particle accelerator, laser, ultrafast, femtosecond, infrared, dielectric laser acceleration, sesquioxide