CO2 sensing using absorption bands near 1570nm is very attractive by taking advantage of the mature fiber-amplifier technology derived from fiber-optic telecom heritage. This necessitates sufficient power scaling in 1.5 micrometer fiber-amplifiers, either in the pulsed-mode, or in the cw-mode for modulation spectroscopy. In this SBIR program we propose the design, optimization, experimental evaluation and prototype development of a high-power, high wall-plug efficiency, 1571 nm fiber-amplifier laser transmitter, compatible with multi-line cw intensity-modulated integrated-path differential absorption spectroscopy, with the size, weight and power (SWaP) optimized for airborne and directly supports and enables space-qualifiable roadmap for Earth Venture (2015) and ASCENDS missions. We leverage innovations in high-power 1.5 micrometer fiber-optic technology and fiber-amplifier architecture, while using high-reliability 1.5 micrometer silica-fiber based passive/active components. Our expectation is that at the end of Phase 2, a TRL-6 level hardware can be developed and delivered for an airborne mission, and which is also compatible with a space-flight maturation roadmap.
More »Airborne campaign for CO2 column sensing via integrated-path differential-absorption approach. Maturation development for space mission for highly accurate CO2 mapping over day/night conditions including Earth Venture (2015) and ASCENDS. Planetary atmospheric sensing e.g. CO2 sensing on Mars, planets and solar system moons. Pump source for an OPO/OPA based lidar transmitter architecture, to access strong mid-IR absorption bands of CO2, or other atmospheric species of interest, e.g. CH4 (via the 3.27 micrometer lines).
Aerospace and universities are interested in CO2 lidar from space and aircraft platforms. This technology can also be frequency converted to 3-4um region CO2, CH4 sensing in process control. The core technology also supports space based laser optical communications areas.
Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Fibertek, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Herndon, Virginia |
Langley Research Center (LaRC) | Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |