SBIR/STTR
Seed-Derived Second Harmonic source for in situ alignment and calibration of trace gas measurement instruments, Phase I
Project Introduction
This SBIR Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a tunable, high-power, narrowband seed laser source integrated with a broadband, waveguide-based second harmonic generation (SHG) module to allow in situ alignment, component testing and calibration across the tuning range of fiber-based lidar systems for measuring atmospheric oxygen concentrations. The lidar is being developed as part of a dual-wavelength remote sensing system for high precision CO2 measurements. Active laser-based spectroscopic remote sensing can map changes in CO2 concentration over the entire globe. However, the measurement of CO2 concentration varies depending on properties such as humidity, temperature, and pressure. To remove these variables, measurement of a stable, well-mixed gas such as oxygen is required as well. Generation of a broadly tunable SHG source with integrated laser for downstream seeding will further this approach.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Several NASA applications include the use of a frequency doubling module to generate fixed or tunable radiation from the visible to near IR. The primary beneficiary of the proposed module is NASA's GSFC team working on O2 sensing for ASCENDS and other missions. Poled materials offer a wider array of functionality including robust, multi-element platforms for combining tasks like frequency conversion and modulation without adding insertion loss due to additional components. Remote sensing missions like ACE that require such platforms will also benefit. Atom-based inertial sensing and free space communications are other exciting new technologies that could benefit from highly efficient frequency conversion devices in this wavelength range.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| ADVR, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Bozeman, MT |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
-
Montana
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Justin T Hawthorne
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2014
End: Dec 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.1 Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.1.5 Lasers
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.3.3 In-Situ (other)