The key NASA applications include the following, all of which have been identified as mission and technology development areas in the 2018 Earth Science Decadal Survey. 1. Coherent detection 3D wind measurement systems. The Er:YAG oscillator could provide a higher efficiency, more robust, and lighter weight approach to the required laser transmitter. 2. Water vapor and methane Differential Absorption Lidar systems.
There is a significant commercial interest in the high-efficiency, compact laser being proposed. The applications include the following: 1. As an upgrade to some of the commercial wind lidar systems used for wind farm and other types of commercial wind measurements. The higher average power of the system we will develop could be used to extend the range of the existing systems. 2. As the transmitter needed for wind lidar used by DoD for precision air drop missions.
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