Range finding
The measurement of the distance of objects based on time-of-flight techniques
using reflected laser pulses is of great importance for defense applications
and has non-military uses as well. This application, referred to as range
finding, or laser radar (ladar), requires a low-noise photodetector with a
suitably large area to accommodate the high-efficiency free space optical
collection of the reflected beam. PLI’s large area APDs are ideal for use in
receivers designed for range finding and other applications requiring the
detection of long transmission length free space optical beams (such as free
space optical communications).
Navigation Systems
Fiber Optic Gyroscopes have been deployed for many years, yet performance
improvements continue to be made with respect to the stability of the light
sources used in these systems. Princeton Lightwave semiconductor design
expertise has enabled substantial improvements in rotational sensitivity of an
airborne fiber optics gyroscope through the design of an 820nm superluminescent
diode with ultra stable wavelength coming from both a proprietary epitaxial
design and from packaging features.
Diode Pumping of Solid State Lasers
Solid state lasers (SSLs) are used in numerous applications such as industrial
processing, medical treatment, and defense systems. Semiconductor diode lasers
for optical pumping are an essential technology for SSLs, and the migration of
SSLs to near-infrared wavelengths in the 1.5 to 2 um range requires a
complementary evolution in pump laser technology. PLI’s InP-based pump laser
diode is the key element in one-dimensional bars and two-dimensional stacks
that deliver record power levels in the wavelength range from 1.3 to 1.85 um
for the pumping of SSLs.
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