Quantum cascade lasers for defense and security

Abstract

Quantum cascade laser (QCL) systems are mature and at the vanguard of a new generation of products that support military applications such as Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) and targeting. The demanding product requirements for aircraft platforms that include reduced size, weight, power consumption and cost (SWaP-C) extends to portable, battery powered handheld products. QCL technology operates throughout the mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) infrared to provide new capabilities that leverage existing thermal imaging cameras. In addition to their suitability for aircraft platforms, QCL products are a natural fit to meet operator demands for small, lightweight pointer and beacon capabilities. Field-testing of high power, lightweight, battery operated devices has demonstrated their utility across a range of air and ground applications. This talk will present an overview of QCL technology and the Defense and Security products and capabilities that are enabled by it. This talk will also provide an overview of the extensive environmental and performance testing associated with products based on QCL technology.

Characterization and control of tunable quantum cascade laser beam parameters for stand-off spectroscopy

“…In order to reach required detection sensitivity levels, we employ high-power (but below the eye-safe limit) tunable quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) as the active illumination source. Our detection platform uses a commercially available QCL system (MIRcat, Daylight Solutions Inc.) 14,15 . Our technique (photo-thermal infrared imaging spectroscopy -PT-IRIS) involves shining an IR laser at the target and observing the small changes in thermal emissions.…”

Review and prospects of optical countermeasure technologies

“…In addition, the requirements for laser devices used in countermeasure applications were summarized [32]. In 2012 QCLs were declared ready for IRCM applications [33] and their industrialization was demonstrated [34]. In-between a semiconductor mid-infrared laser source combining QCLs for the spectral range 3-5 µm and optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSL) for the 2-2.5 µm transmission window, both operating at room temperature, was demonstrated in field tests [35].…”

Predicting Early Failure of Quantum Cascade Lasers During Accelerated Burn-in Testing Using Machine Learning

“…Many of the characteristics of QCLs can be tailored via the quantum design of the heterostructure, and recent progress has resulted in expanded spectral coverage and signi cant improvements in their overall performance [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . These improvements have enabled or improved the use of QCLs in a growing number of applications in trace gas sensing, imaging, and defense [10][11][12] . However, their broad use in other applications, particularly those that involve integration into complex systems, can be limited due to concerns over premature device failure.…”