Abstract: Systems and methods for modulating the output of a difference frequency generator such as an OPO, OPA or OPG include a pump fiber laser having at least one internal, directly modulatible component, wherein the pump fiber laser produces a pump signal, and a difference frequency generator coupled to the pump fiber laser. The difference frequency generator is configured for accepting the pump signal of the pump fiber laser and producing an output signal, wherein parameters of the output signal are determined based on direct modulation of the internal, directly modulatible component of the pump fiber laser.

Abstract: A system and method for improving conversion efficiency of a difference frequency generator (DFG) and/or for outputting a desired shape of the output signal, where the method includes providing a pump source, modifying the pump pulse temporal shape for optimal DFG conversion efficiency, and providing the modified pump pulse to the DFG. The pump source may be, for example, a MOPA laser or a diode or any other suitable source. In one embodiment, the pump pulse shape is modified such that an initial gain within the DFG is high, followed by a lower level signal for efficient conversion within the DFG. An example of such a shape is a double square pulse. Other configurations are possible as well such as a single rectangular pulse shape.

Abstract: A system for coupling light into a fiber in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include a first fiber, a second fiber which is a double clad fiber, and a bulk optic component positioned between the first and second fibers. At least one mode stripper is positioned between the first fiber entry port and the second fiber exit port providing for limiting and removal of propagating clad light.

Abstract: Fiber lasers for producing Band I wavelengths include a laser cavity having an optical fiber with specific parameters in length and thickness and doping concentration, and having high reflectivities. Examples show the feasibility of producing such fiber lasers. Fiber lasers for producing Band IV wavelengths include a depolarized laser oscillator, at least one amplifier and a polarizer. Depolarized laser oscillator is an inherently depolarized CW laser, or a depolarized laser diode, which is depolarized by a depolarizer. Additional fiber lasers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include a double clad active optical fiber having a pump power entry point for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a first direction, and a loop portion at a second end of the fiber for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A DIRCM (Direct IR Counter Measures) system includes a detection and warning apparatus for detecting a missile that might pose a threat on the platform to which said system is allocated, and for generating a warning of its existence. The warning may include data that enable the calculation of the expected direction from which the missile is approaching. The DIRCM system may also include an acquisition device for performing acquisition of the approaching missile in accordance with the data provided by the detection and warning apparatus, and issuing data that may enable the calculation in real time of the updated position of the missile, a fiber laser for generating a laser beam, and a motion and aiming enabled turret, coupled with the laser, for directing the laser beam onto the approaching missile.

Abstract: Fiber lasers for producing Band I wavelengths include a laser cavity having an optical fiber with specific parameters in length and thickness and doping concentration, and having high reflectivities. Examples show the feasibility of producing such fiber lasers. Fiber lasers for producing Band IV wavelengths include a depolarized laser oscillator, at least one amplifier and a polarizer. Depolarized laser oscillator is an inherently depolarized CW laser, or a depolarized laser diode, which is depolarized by a depolarizer. Additional fiber lasers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include a double clad active optical fiber having a pump power entry point for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a first direction, and a loop portion at a second end of the fiber for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Fiber lasers for producing Band I wavelengths include a laser cavity having an optical fiber with specific parameters in length and thickness and doping concentration, and having high reflectivities. Examples show the feasibility of producing such fiber lasers. Fiber lasers for producing Band IV wavelengths include a depolarized laser oscillator, at least one amplifier and a polarizer. Depolarized laser oscillator is an inherently depolarized CW laser, or a depolarized laser diode, which is depolarized by a depolarizer. Additional fiber lasers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include a double clad active optical fiber having a pump power entry point for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a first direction, and a loop portion at a second end of the fiber for sending pump energy through the active optical fiber in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A DIRCM (Direct IR Counter Measures) system includes a detection and warning apparatus for detecting a missile that might pose a threat on the platform to which said system is allocated, and for generating a warning of its existence. The warning may include data that enable the calculation of the expected direction from which the missile is approaching. The DIRCM system may also include an acquisition device for performing acquisition of the approaching missile in accordance with the data provided by the detection and warning apparatus, and issuing data that may enable the calculation in real time of the updated position of the missile, a fiber laser for generating a laser beam, and a motion and aiming enabled turret, coupled with the laser, for directing the laser beam onto the approaching missile.