A device for generating a laser beam in a LADAR system has a master
oscillator with a laser-active medium and an amplifier stage in the form
of a fiber optic power amplifier. This power amplifier amplifies the power
of the oscillator. A carrier body is provided, on which a length of fiber
of the power amplifier is coiled. The carrier body consists of a material
of high thermal conductivity. The master oscillator may be a microchip
laser. Diode lasers are used as pump light sources for the fiber optic
power amplifier. This assembly can be made lightweight and compact,
whereby it is particularly suitable for use in missiles.
