Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Douglas P Stanley

Anna Tabirian

David E Roberts

Steve Guch, Jr

Ronald R Selleck

Arthur B Thompson

Steven J Lindauer

Laurance S Lingvay

Christopher M DePriest

Gary D Ross

Mark A Decker

Lloyd H Morton

Carl S King

Matthew D Hawk

Systems and methods for long range recognition and identification of objects and targets, and, more particularly, to long range imaging systems that include the use of mid-wave infrared laser illumination technology are provided. In particular, mid-wave infrared laser illuminated imaging systems and methods are disclosed for addressing, among other things, the problems associated with long range, day or night observations of targets through various obscurants (e.g., fog, haze, rain, smoke). Such systems may be configured to operate in either a single, active illumination mode or in a dual, active/passive mode.

Infrared laser illuminated imaging systems and methods

A laser system comprises a reflective chamber capable of housing a laser medium and at least two laser diodes emitting light at different respective wavelengths into the reflective chamber. The wavelength of each respective laser diode may be selected to minimize fluctuations in absorption by the laser medium of light emitted by the diode bars as the wavelength of each respective laser diode changes due to changes in an operating temperature of the laser system. The wavelength of each respective laser diode may be selected such that absorption by the laser medium of the wavelength of light emitted by one laser diode increases and absorption by the laser medium of the wavelength of light emitted by another laser diode decreases as the operating temperature changes within a predefined range.

Laser system with multiple wavelength diode pump head and associated method

A lasing apparatus includes a laser medium and a pump source. The laser medium includes one of a Holmium-doped fluoride crystal or a Holmium-doped fluorozirconate ZBLAN glass fiber. The pump source generates pulses that resonantly pump the laser medium such that the laser medium produces an output from theIlevel to theIlevel of Holmium. The pump source produces pulses having a duration that is at least as long as a storage time of theIlevel of the laser medium. The pump source pumps the laser medium with signals having a wavelength shorter than 1.67 &#x3bc;m, with the laser medium producing an output having a wavelength of about 1.67 &#x3bc;m.

Method and apparatus for producing an eye-safe laser

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Longwood, FL, United States of America

Douglas P Stanley