Direct-Diode Laser Illumination and Pointing at Eye-Safe SWIR Wavelengths

Military, industrial, and medical applications have expressed interest in using similar to 1550nm laser diodes as efficient laser sources for reduced eye safety concerns, especially where free-space propagation is concerned. In addition, covert military applications, including pointers and illuminators, benefit from the spectral insensitivity of common sensor types to similar to 1.5um wavelengths. While more efficient than other sources, high-power broad-area laser diodes can sometimes require complex packaging and beam shaping/combining optics in order to meet requirements for brightness, uniformity, stray light, and environmental insensitivity. This paper will highlight and discuss a range of developments exploring laser diode components near 1.5um for free-space military applications, including broad-area high-power illuminators and highly-collimated pointers. Options for tailored beam conditioning and performance results will also be presented.