Proposals must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 20, 2010.

There are four research topic areas for this program. They are: (1) Novel Components for High Energy Lasers Proposals for this topic should address new, innovative concepts for components in high-energy laser systems, such as mirrors, beam splitters or combiners, and beam shaping and steering devices. Novel possibilities might include, but are not restricted to, reflectors based on density gradients, holographic optical elements, or concepts involving nano-patterned materials or metamaterials. In all cases adequate consideration should be given to the impact of local high-field and high-power effects within such components and structures for the high-energy laser application being addressed; (2) Ultra-Short, Ultra-Intense Pulse Lasers and Laser Effects. Proposals for this topic should address research advances in the generation, propagation, or interactions of ultra-short, ultra-intense laser pulses (extreme light). Femtosecond pulses at the petawatt level (or higher) are of interest, at moderate to high repetition rates. Studies of the interaction of extreme light with gaseous and solid materials are of interest, especially as a source 3 of high quality x-ray, electron, and heavy particle beams. The use of such beams to generate x-rays via inverse Compton Scattering or free electron laser interactions is another topic of interest, as is study of the use of such x-rays for applications in directed energy or other DOD concerns. New theoretical and experimental studies of propagation of extreme light are of interest, including beam trapping effects in the atmosphere; (3) Laser Interactions. Proposals should address fundamental laser interaction physics research, especially the investigation of the contribution of external influences on the removal of material during laser irradiation. The phenomenology of material removal in a benign environment is well known for a large variety of target materials (metals, composites, plastics, polymers, energetic materials, etc). Understanding the physics of external influences on the material removal process will significantly enhance the ability to perform analysis. This task is to develop a physics model of the influence of external stimulus on the laser/material interaction. The specific external influences to be investigated are: (a) air flow; and (b) oxidation and char physics. In the case of air flow, technical issues include: (a) Effect of air flow velocity, pressure, and temperature on the melt removal process; (b) Effect of melt removal on the coupling of laser energy to the material; (c) Effect of air flow on exothermic reactions. In the case of oxidation and char physics, technical issues include: (a) Identifying and testing potential measurement techniques that would determine change in material properties; (b) Analyzing these techniques to develop first order accuracy estimates; (c) Developing an oxidation and/or char model as a function of material phase, temperature, irradiance level, and target roll rate; (d) Developing a functional relationship between material emissivity and oxidation and/or char rate; (4) Materials, Devices, and Techniques for High Average Power Solid-State Lasers Proposals should address exploration of innovations in devices, materials, and techniques for solid-state lasers, including bulk and fiber lasers and combinations and arrays of them. For bulk solid-state lasers areas of interest include, but are not restricted to, new techniques for making low-loss ceramic host materials with spatially varying index and dopant concentrations, including advantageous non-isotropic host materials. Techniques for producing less heat and for better heat removal are of interest, as are better pumping techniques and achieving higher overall efficiency. For fiber lasers, proposals should address increasing the power of individual fibers and fiber combinations. Suggested subjects include, but are not restricted to, novel waveguide structures or materials to reduce nonlinear effects, devices or techniques to yield increased pump brightness, and robust and compact devices for active or passive coherent or incoherent beam combining. Since scaling capability is a priority interest, issues such as inevitable nonlinear and thermal issues, as well as issues arising from particular features of the design or method, must be addressed. Of particular interest for high average power solid-state lasers are devices which have the potential for multiple applications and which emphasize energy and cost efficiency, and mechanical, thermal, and optical robustness. The distinct subject matter of this funding opportunity necessitates a thorough review of the official program guidance referenced at the URL provided in the contact section of this summary.

None is available.

Varies

Name: Dr. John R. Hottle, Assistant Program Manager

Department: Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Physics and Electronics Directorate

Email: john.hottle@afosr.af.mil

Fax: (703) 696-8481