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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M98449/01
Title: MULTI-WATT IN-PLANE DIODE-PUMPED WAVEGUIDE LASERS
Principal Investigator: Shepherd, Professor DP
Other Investigators:
Tropper, Professor A Clarkson, Professor WA
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Onyx Optics INC (USA)
Department: Optoelectronics Research Ctr (closed)
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 July 2000 Ends: 30 June 2003 Value (£): 177,571
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optical Devices & Subsystems Optoelect. Devices & Circuits
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
High-power, diode-pumped, solid state lasers are finding an increasing number of applications in various industrial and scientific sectors. However, the non-diffraction-limited and asymmetric nature of the output of diode-bars normally requires the use of rather complicated and expensive beam shaping to allow efficient pumping of either bulk or fibre media. Here we propose the use of planar wave guide as the laser host as these are well suited to the out put of diode bars, even allowing direct in plane proximity coupling. Along with the advantages normally associated with wave guides - high gain per unit pump power and good spatial overlap - the planar geometry is also ideally suited for handling the high thermal load associated with high power devices. Finally, such systems also lend themselves to integration of novel resonators, Q-switching functions, polarisation control etc., thus leading to highly compact and versatile, high power, lasers. We aim to demonstrate multi-watt, near diffraction-limited, diode-pumped wave guide lasers at 1um (Nd,Yb), 2um Tm, and 3um (Er), whose simple and very compact design should attract significant commercial interest. The high quality research supported by this grant, together with training of a post graduate student and further experience for the proposed post doctoral RA, will make a strong contribution to the UK standing in this highly-competitive area.
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Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk