Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Pulsed, Single-Frequency, 2-um Seed Source for Coherent LIDAR Applications, Phase I
Project Description
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.
More »
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.
More »
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
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.
This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.