Domestic Production of Transparent Polycrystalline Laser Gain Materials

Press Contact: 202/225-4071 (office)

Project Name:	Domestic Production of Transparent Polycrystalline Laser Gain Materials
Project Address:	712 State Circle, Ann Arbor, MI
Amount Requested:	$7,000,000
Federal Department or Agency:	Department of Defense
Individual or entity requesting this appropriation:	Nanocerox, Inc.
Value to Michigan’s 15th Congressional District and the American taxpayer:
The Department of Defense is now attempting to develop tactical lasers that generate 100+ kilowatts of output power in an all-solid-state design that will require a domestic commercial supplier of transparent polycrystalline-based laser gain materials. These advanced near-infrared high-power laser systems will be the critical components for future weapons systems and will greatly improve current illumination, tracking, and intercept applications. It is imperative that these laser gain materials be produced, tested, and qualified domestically to maintain the military proprietary status of highly sensitive laser programs, such as the Joint Technology Office's Joint High Powered Solid-State Laser (JHPSSL) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) High Energy Laser Area Defense System (HELADS). These next generation laser platforms and other future DoD mission requirements demand a domestic source for these laser gain materials.

Representative John Dingell