This proposal describes a new approach to laser diode drivers which combines the unique advantages of three key technologies. The innovative approach will extend the performance capabilities of laser diode systems to greater than 200 A peak pulse current, less than one nanosecond rise time, at greater than 10 KHz repetition rates. Not customarily used in laser diode drivers, the unique combination of these three key technologies will advance the state-of-the-art of laser radar (LADAR) systems for both government and commercial applications. The results of the research will also find useful applications in high efficiency radio communications equipment and solid state magnetrons.
Keywords: Laser Diode Driver High Speed Semiconductor Switch Laser Diode Laser Radar Systems
