Laser systems that operate in the spectral range λ=2-5 µm offer exceptional advantages and unique capabilities that can be exploited in several technological arenas, as they provide the basis for implementing a wide range of applications. These include:

• Remote sensing of environmental protection and security applications.
• Medical diagnostics and laser surgery.
• Advanced free space optical communication.
• Transparent plastics and polymers processing, in particular, transparent plastics welding and ablation.

The research project at the OECL brings together two research efforts that are aimed at creating a new class of high power laser systems operating around 2 mm with two unique features:

• A laser system with electroholographic active Q switching operating at λ=1.8 µm that produces very short high power pulses. (Pulse width< 1 nsec; Pulse energy 10 mJ)
• A tunable laser system based on electroholography in the g44 configuration with electrical wavelength tunability that operates through the 2.6 – 2.8 µm  spectral range. (Wavelength tunability > 100 nm).

Pending Patents:

• Electroholographic Active Q switching.
• Dichroic gratings for solid state laser systems.