P. Weßels
S. Unland
R. Kalms
S. Spiekermann
I. Balasa
H. Mädebach
S. Kramprich
L. O. Jensen
D. Kracht
M. Lorrai
P. G. Lorrai
M. Hmidat
J. Butkus
L. Lukoševičius
J. Neumann

GALACTIC: high performance Alexandrite crystals and coatings for high power space applications

SPIE Proceedings Vol. 11664, Solid State Lasers XXX: Technology and Devices
1166411
2021
Type: Zeitschriftenaufsatz (non-reviewed)
Abstract
Alexandrite is a promising, highly efficient laser material enabling wavelength tunability for applications in the field of spaceborne Earth observation. The Horizon 2020 project GALACTIC has been initiated to establish a fully Europeanbased supply chain for high-quality functionally coated Alexandrite laser crystals. To reach this goal, the project consortium, consisting of Optomaterials S.r.l., Altechna Coatings and the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., works closely together to firstly develop and improve the crystal manufacturing and coating technologies and secondly to characterize the developed coated laser crystals. Finally, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 will be achieved for typical Earth observation space missions. The necessary qualification test campaign will conclude the development process and will enable European non-dependence from the Alexandrite laser crystal market currently dominated by non-European suppliers.