Award Abstract # 0109913
SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Compact Driver Technology for Extending the Lifetime of High Power Laser Diode Arrays

NSF Org: TI
Translational Impacts
Recipient: SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY, INC
Initial Amendment Date: September 24, 2001
Latest Amendment Date: September 24, 2001
Award Number: 0109913
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Winslow L. Sargeant
TI
 Translational Impacts
TIP
 Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
Start Date: September 15, 2001
End Date: August 31, 2003 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $499,960.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $497,208.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2001 = $497,208.00
History of Investigator:
  • Rodney Petr (Principal Investigator)
    rpetr@srl.com
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Science Research Laboratory Inc
15 WARD ST
SOMERVILLE
MA  US  02143-4228
(617)547-1122
Sponsor Congressional District: 07
Primary Place of Performance: Science Research Laboratory Inc
15 WARD ST
SOMERVILLE
MA  US  02143-4228
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
07
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): MKKPT9RCLJQ1
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): SBIR Phase II
Primary Program Source: 01000102DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 9139, HPCC
Program Element Code(s): 537300
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.084

ABSTRACT


This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop compact, all-solid-state, pulsed drivers coupled with solid-state protection circuitry for powering laser diodes/diode arrays and increasing their reliability and lifetime. New high-current semiconductor switch technology will be coupled with proprietary new diode protection circuits featuring fault-mode detection and high-speed current limiting to extend laser diode lifetime tenfold. This leads directly to a tenfold reduction in annual laser operating cost. Recent breakthroughs in high power semiconductor technology, namely the
Gate Commutated Thyristor (GCT) switch, also offer significant improvement in speed, power, and compact size over existing commercial devices. Phase II will develop advanced, compact pulsed power modules based on these technologies.

GCT technology, coupled with a proprietary fast protection circuitry, offers a significant decrease in diode laser system size and weight and a tenfold decrease in laser cost-of-ownership made possible by increased diode lifetime. New commercial applications for the diode-pumped solid-state lasers are expected to include powering diodes for optical telecommunications and ultraviolet and X-ray point sources for Next Generation Lithography in the semiconductor industry, as well as in laser cutting and welding. Medical uses for this new fault-protected, solid-state driver technology will include oncology and gene therapy.

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