{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":93420,"title":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10745,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10740,"level":3,"code":"TX08.1.5","title":"Lasers","definition":"Passive laser technologies, such as laser heterodyne radiometry, can involve low-power elements such as distributive feedback (DFB) lasers; active laser systems that pass through the atmosphere to make a measurement, such as light detecting and ranging (LIDAR) require higher powered laser elements.","exampleTechnologies":"Pulsed lasers, and the electro-optical components that support them like fibers, gratings, crystals, laser diodes, electro-optical modulators, nanolasers","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":5,"endTrl":5,"benefits":"With the development of high precision 935nm DBR laser diode and matching isolator, NASA's primary application for the proposed compact integration laser module would be the deployment in the air-borne DIAL sensor networks to map atmospheric water vapor with high spatial and temporal resolution. This application is well aligned with the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) instrument development program objective through the implement of smaller and more affordable DIAL transmitters. The compact integration technology applies to the full spectrum of the GaAs material based DBR lasers that Photodigm offers, leading to potential applications in sensing of ozone and other trace gasses.
The proposed integrated laser module would be the most compact and high power DBR laser with embedded optics available in the market. The optical integration concept complements the Photodigm family of DBR laser packages in the 850 to 1000nm range with isolated fiber coupled solution. It is also a high power package alternative to the broader 760 to 1100nm wavelength range devices. In addition to NASA's use in a number of LIDAR systems, a narrow linewidth and high power laser module finds applications in various areas of spectroscopy, atomic physics, non-linear optics, and fiber amplifiers. The high spectral stability is desirable in applications resolving hyperfine structures and applications demanding long coherent length. The size and weight reduction and fiber connection is suitable for handheld instrumentations. Photodigm recognizes the fastest commercial growth lies in gas sensing, aerospace metrology and medical tomography.","description":"We propose to demonstrate a compact integrated laser module that addresses the requirements of the laser source in a water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system at the 935nm absorption wavelength. Our approach, with the development of the high performance DBR laser diode and the engineering of compact integration technology, will provide narrow linewidth and high power laser modules for numerous Lidar applications with the advantages of reduced size, weight and power (SWaP). Under this Phase I SBIR we propose to design and fabrication the EPI material and the DBR lasers with a high gain compressive-strained single quantum well (QW) structure, based on Photodigm's proprietary single growth epi, precision gain ridges, and monolithic grating process. We would develop an integrated module that is optically isolated and fiber coupled by investigating the custom build optical isolators of the operating wavelength and designing a compact, hermetic package to achieve high reliability and manufacturability. Continuing device engineering such as extended mode hop mounting, micro lens beam shaping and package space qualification are expected to be incorporated with this device family under Phase II of this SBIR program.","startYear":2017,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2017,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":27335,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Annie","lastName":"Xiang","fullName":"Annie Xiang","fullNameInverted":"Xiang, Annie","primaryEmail":"Axiang@Photodigm.Com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":16983,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Amin","lastName":"Nehrir","fullName":"Amin R Nehrir","fullNameInverted":"Nehrir, Amin R","middleInitial":"R","primaryEmail":"amin.r.nehrir@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":294025,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_S1.01-9205","fileSize":171494,"objectId":290546,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"167.5 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":294025,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_S1.01-9205","fileSize":171494,"objectId":290546,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"167.5 KB"}],"id":290546,"title":"Briefing Chart","description":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments, Phase I Briefing Chart","libraryItemTypeId":1222,"projectId":93420,"primary":false,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1222,"code":"DOCUMENT","description":"Document","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}},{"caption":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":293861,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_S1.01-9205","fileSize":154713,"objectId":290381,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"151.1 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":293861,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_S1.01-9205","fileSize":154713,"objectId":290381,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"151.1 KB"}],"id":290381,"title":"Briefing Chart Image","description":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":93420,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":69456,"projectId":93420,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2018-05-01","path":"Advanced To","relatedProjectId":112783,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":112783,"title":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments","startTrl":4,"currentTrl":6,"endTrl":6,"benefits":"NASA's primary application for the compact integration laser module is the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) instrument development for an autonomous field sensor network mapping atmospheric water vapor. This application is well aligned with the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) instrument development program through the implement of smaller and more affordable DIAL transmitters and is an important step towards water vapor DIAL deployment in air and in space.
The compact integrated laser modules are the turn-key solutions for single frequency laser source at 935nm and 817nm. The narrow linewidth and high power laser modules find applications in spectroscopy, remote sensing and biometrics. Its spectral stability is desirable in resolving hyperfine structures and in providing long coherent length. Its compactness is suitable for handheld instruments.","description":"Modern water vapor differential absorption lidar (WV-DIAL) uses a single frequency distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser diode to seed a pulsed semiconductor amplifier. To meet the demand of these advanced instruments, the development of DBR lasers at multiple wavelengths in the 700-950nm region is required. Current DIAL systems use free-space lasers that require bulk optics and are subject to misalignment and contamination. A compact integrated laser module is desirable for future cost-effective, rugged and fieldable systems.Build on the design and prototype demonstration of Phase I, we propose to further the development of the compact integrated laser modules. Our approach, with the fabrication of high precision DBR laser of 935nm and 817nm wavelengths; and the package engineering of compact integration, will provide the narrow linewidth and high power laser modules for numerous Lidar applications with the advantages of reduced size, weight and power (SWaP).","startYear":2018,"startMonth":5,"endYear":2020,"endMonth":11,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":118,"endDateString":"Nov 2020","startDateString":"May 2018"},"infoText":"Advanced within the program","infoTextExtra":"Another project within the program (Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments)","dateText":"May 2018"}],"primaryImage":{"file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":293861,"fileSizeString":"0 Byte"},"id":290381,"description":"Compact Integrated DBR Laser Source for Absorption Lidar Instruments, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","projectId":93420,"publishedDateString":""},"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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