We propose developing a high power (20 to 50 W) power-buildup, external cavity laser system incorporating a frequency-stabilized, diode laser with high-power and long life. Our approach can provide fixed-frequency radiation sources for space-based detection of atmospheric components as well as for many commercial environmental and process monitoring applications. Phase I demonstrated the proof-of-concept by developing a 30W, frequency-stable, narrow linewidth, diode laser power-buildup cavity system utilizing a relative low-power (150 mW) visible laser diode. This approach offers a simple, reliable, high-power laser source with no moving parts for reduced maintenance and good stability and, most importantly, that is affordable for many military and industrial monitoring applications. Since our external-cavity technology can be used with any existing high power diode, the technology offers a large wavelength selection. The stabilized cavity has demonstrated that this technique offers excellent potential for generating relatively high laser powers suitable for commercial gas-phase Raman spectroscopy application including control of steel carbonization (hardening process), semi-conductor fabrication, and improved control over the ethylene oxide sterilization of medical products.
Keywords: External-Cavity; Power-Buildup Cell; Frequency-Stabilized Diode Laser; Environmental Monitoring
