This SBIR will develop advanced, high-efficiency, high beam-quality solid-state laser technology and non-linear wavelength conversion technology suitable for Ozone, Aerosol, Wind, CO2, Water Vapor Lidar. We propose to increase the wall-plug efficiency of 1um lasers from 6-8% into the 12-16% range drastically reducing the electrical power needed for satellite missions. For the same satellite bus this means that power will be available to support another lidar system, radar or other instruments greatly increasing the science mission value. The proposed non-linear wavelength conversion technology can enable direct range-resolved ozone, CO2 measurement and/or oxygen lidars that support CO2 pressure and density determinations. The technology developed could also enable sub-orbital flight missions for ozone and water vapor.
More »