High Power Solid-State Laser Science and Technologies

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) offers research opportunities in high power solid-state laser science and technologies. This position focuses on enabling technologies for high power solid-state lasers to meet the needs of the Army and other armed services. Research areas include power scalable gain media in Near- and Mid-IR, advanced thermal management, and beam quality improvement using ceramic gain media and cryogenic temperatures. Particular emphasis is placed on laser operation at wavelengths near 1.6 microns in Er-doped solids for improved eye safety, as well as low-phonon laser materials for 3-5 µm wavelength range operation. The research also investigates fiber-based gain media, special materials and laser architectures for heat removal, and beam correction techniques based on stimulated light scattering. The program is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Participants work with the Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD), which is the Army's principal center for research and development in electromagnetic spectrum exploration and exploitation. The laboratories are equipped with a range of laser and spectroscopic tools including diode lasers, fiber-coupled systems, spectrometers for absorption and emission studies, cryostats, and thermal conductivity measurement setups. Selected participants will work under the guidance of ARL advisors and will be required to write a research proposal addressing specific research areas at ARL. The program aims to develop technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs through scientific research in diverse fields including material science, nanotechnology, optical signal processing, and advanced photonics.