Applications such as LIDAR, ranging/ sensing, and optical communications all require photonic components, such as sources, detectors, and modulators, to be integrated into a single system. For spaceborne applications, SWaP (size, weight and power) is a key consideration: a monolithic indium phosphide (InP) Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) can integrate many components onto a chip with a footprint of a few square mm. Photonic Wirebonding (PWB) enables seamless integration of best-in-class optical devices from disparate materials. Connecting and mode-matching different photonic components enables versatility and functionality unachievable by other methods, facilitating co-packaging. PICs and PWBs do not yet have spaceflight heritage: demonstrating increased Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a key step toward use in orbital and spaceborne missions. Freedom Photonics presents our first hermetic photonic wirebonded PIC package, alongside recent environmental testing results demonstrating that our PIC and PWB technologies are suitable for the harsh conditions of launch and spaceflight: shock, vibration, radiation, and temperature cycling.
Recent advancements in diffraction-limited output from tapered diode laser amplifiers represent a disruptive technology breakthrough that is poised to revolutionize the LIDAR market. Output powers which were previously only achievable using doped fiber, glass, or crystal laser architectures are now possible directly from the semiconductor chip. For example, diffraction-limited an output power of just a few watts at 1550 nm is sufficient for continuous wave frequency modulated (FMCW) automotive LIDAR. We report here a new world record of >3.0 W output power with nearly diffraction-limited beam quality (M^2 ~1.2) from a 1550 nm tapered diode laser amplifier; this source is suitable for direct use in numerous LIDAR and remote sensing applications.
The use of photonic integrated circuits and components in many areas across the general area of laser systems is increasing. Example applications of such systems include free space optical communication, remote standoff sensing, solid state and fiber laser pumping, LIDAR for autonomous vehicles, and atomic laser systems for position, navigation, and timing. In this talk we will review the design, performance, and robustness of Freedom Photonics high performance integrated photonic components for these applications and others, focusing in particular on recent advancements in our products at 780 nm, 1060 nm, 1310 nm, and at 1550 nm.
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