AFRL Opens Laser Lab at Kirtland AFB

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) debuted its semiconductor laser indoor propagation range (SLIPR) at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The range, which consists of a 3500-sq-ft high-bay propagation lab, will enable future laser system propagation studies in support of technology innovation and improve in-house research capabilities to address critical technology gaps.

The approximately $7.2 million project supporting SLIPR provides 100-m-long broadcast ranges in an indoor facility to test concepts, AFRL said. It added that, in the past, researchers had to travel to facilities outside of the state to perform tests.

AFRL’s Directed-Energy Laser Division chief Imelda Atencio and Directed-Energy Directorate director Shery Welsh cut the ribbon at SLIPR’s unveiling. Courtesy of the Air Force Research Laboratory.

SLIPR’s specialized labs include the photoluminescence and x-ray labs, which will be used to characterize materials grown by molecular beam epitaxy. SLIPR will be used to test fabricated laser devices made by AFRL’s laser division as a way to support Special Operations Command, AFRL said.