Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Pulsed, Single-Frequency, 2-um Seed Source for Coherent LIDAR Applications, Phase I
Project Introduction
The primary objective of the proposed Phase I effort is to develop and demonstrate a low-average power, pulsed, single-frequency, 2-um Ho-laser source for application as a front end in coherent LIDAR systems. Development of such pulsed seed sources is critical for the design of compact, rugged, reliable and efficient LIDAR transmitters based on all-amplifier architecture. Pulsed operation of the Ho-oscillator is achieved via passive Q-switching using robust Cr2+-doped saturable absorbers. Such seed oscillators allow generation of ns-width pulse trains at kHz repetition rates. Direct diode-pumping using the latest 1.9-um diode laser technology provides improved oscillator reliability and compactness. The choice of a 2-um Ho-laser material (as opposed to 1.5-um Er-lasers) enables efficient power/energy scaling of the pulsed seed oscillator output in high-gain Ho-amplifiers. This approach decreases the number of amplifying stages, simplifies the overall design and packaging, and improves the electrical efficiency of the complete laser system as compared to the current technology.
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Anticipated Benefits
Commercial uses are for ground- and aircraft-based wind sensors in commercial aviation for wind shear and turbulence detection , as well as monitoring of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The low-power, pulsed 2-um oscillator can be also be offered as a stand-alone component. The proposed work has direct application to NASA coherent, wind-sensing lidar programs based on the use of pulsed, eyesafe, 2-um region lasers, as well as CO2 DIAL applications. The proposed seed oscillator concept provides compact design, enhanced ruggedness and aids the overall laser system efficiency. Other use is as a front end of an all-amplifier-system to pump mid-IR parametric oscillators for application to DIAL sensors.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q-Peak, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Bedford, Massachusetts |
Langley Research Center
(LaRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Massachusetts
-
Virginia
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Q-Peak, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Jan 2010
End: Jul 2010
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX08 Sensors and Instruments
- TX08.1 Remote Sensing Instruments/Sensors
- TX08.1.5 Lasers
Target Destination
Earth
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