Pulsed Fiber Laser Hits Record Power Level For Space Missions: "A pulsed fiber laser Northrop Grumman Corporation is developing for future space-based environmental missions has surpassed power output requirements by producing more than 170 watts of average power with nearly perfect beam quality.
This type of fiber laser has the advantages of high efficiency and compact size, and is scalable and adaptable for a variety of space missions, including spaced-based 3-D imaging, altimetry and optical remote sensing using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, according to Robert Burke, vice president for civil and military systems at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.
'This is a significant milestone in preparing fiber laser devices for space LIDAR systems,' Burke said. 'The compactness and high efficiency of this technology positions us well in our efforts to offer our customers space-qualified laser products that enable more cost-effective LIDAR systems.'"
