Efficient In-band Diode-pumped Q-switched Solid State Laser for Methane Detection, Phase II

There are a number of potential non-NASA commercial applications that will benefit from the development of high energy pulsed Er-doped SSLs. Specific applications include remote gas sensing, particularly for the detection of methane and other hydrocarbon gases critical to the energy industry. Other applications include commercial lidar systems; range-finding and ladar applications; medical systems for areas such as dermatology, nerve stimulation, and dentistry; and materials processing. The development of the high-pulse-energy Er-doped solid state laser (SSL) proposed in this program will be crucial for LIDAR instruments intended for the measurement of methane in the Earth's atmosphere. This laser technology to be developed will also potentially provide new capabilities for measurements of other atmospheric constituents and the surface topography of the Earth and other planetary bodies anticipated for numerous NASA mission programs. This laser will serve as an ideal source for LIDAR systems in the wavelength range near 1.65 um and for active remote sensing optical instruments in general. More »