The portability and robustness of LGR's high-power (>1 W) monolithic mid-IR light source makes it suitable for many non-NASA commercial applications. It is suitable for sensitive detection of methane and ethane for oil and natural gas exploration missions both in ground- and air-based missions. The eye-safe radiation could be used for detection of gases in exhaled human breath providing advanced detection for certain diseases such as diabetes (acetone), oxidative stress and post-operative organ rejection (ethane), and suspected cancer biomarkers (ethane, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde). There have been several advances in the field of medical imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as photoacoustic imaging using near-IR radiation. LGR's monolithic OPOs are well suited for biomedical imaging due to the tunability and spectral purity. The application of LGR's eye-safe, fiber-coupled mid-IR light source would be suitable for photoacoustic detection of gases as well as biomedical imaging, photoacoustic ultrasound. The tunability of the monolithic OPOs allows for operation in the well-known water-transparency window between 3-4 um. LGR's monolithic OPOs could be used for laser-based data transmission for air- and space-based applications. The monolithic OPO would be used as the transmitter and receiver unit. Access to additional frequency bands allows for larger transfer rates of information in parallel with current space-based laser communication systems.
Absorption spectroscopy using a tunable OPO is a simple measurement technique known for its high sensitivity (parts per billion) and potentially superior size, weight, and power consumption (SWAP) compared to competing technologies. Also important are sources for remote measurements of carbon-based trace gases (CH4, CO2, and CO) for total column measurements from aircraft and spacecraft, as well as for profiling measurements from the ground using atmospheric backscatter. These systems need tunable, narrow-linewidth lasers that operate in the 3-4 um wavelength band. LGR's monolithic OPOs can also be used for ground-based applications such as detection of gases emitted from combustion processes including jet engines and chemical-rocket exhaust. A high-power laser system in the 3-4 um wavelength region would complement NASA's robust 1- and 2-um systems developed under the Laser Risk Reduction Program. NASA requires LIDAR instruments for accurate measurements of atmospheric parameters with high spatial resolution from ground, airborne, and space-based platforms with an emphasis placed on compactness, efficiency, reliability, and lifetime. NASA needs advanced components for direct-detection LIDAR instruments on new UAV platforms, ground-based test beds, and eventually in space. For gas measurements using tunable laser spectrometers, available platforms such as aircraft, balloons, surface and entry probes and landed rovers impose severe limitations on instrument SWAP.
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