High-power laser projection displays

In this paper recent research on high-power laser displays for large display applications is reported. We discuss our compact high-power red-green-blue laser system for use as a light source based on a passively mode-locked solid-state laser with an optical parametric oscillator and sum-frequency mixing with very high efficiency and 19 W of white light. Concepts for power scaling to 35 W of white laser Light are presented. A direct laser beam scanning technology is described which results in high resolution displays. Multi channel concepts as required in flight simulator applications are discussed. The laser Light is modulated at 32 MHz using acousto-optic modulators with 75% diffraction efficiency. A high contrast ratio of 1:150,000 is achieved and has been successfully tested in novel planetarium applications. We also present performance and lifetime data of initial commercial laser display systems in the field.