Tunable Narrow Linewidth, Low Noise 2.05 Micron Single Frequency Seeder Laser, Phase II

The narrow linewindth and fast frequency modulation capability make it an ideal laser source used for commercial LIDAR for wind measurement. It also can be used to monitoring the green house gases. It can be a very important part for NOAA to build the CO2 gas monitor network. This type of all-fiber laser can be used for in situ measuring the 13C/12C and 18O/16O isotope ratios in atmospheric CO2 by laser absorption spectrometry. In ecosystem research, isotope ratios of molecules such as CO2 are of interest as they may improve our understanding of the sources and sinks of this important greenhouse gas. Long-term, real time, continuous in situ measurement at ambient concentrations would provide valuable information for atmospheric and environmental research. Laser absorption spectroscopy is one of the most promising tools due to its high sensitivity, species selectivity and spectral resolution. Based on the molecule's spectral fingerprint, laser absorption spectroscopy measurement can be performed on a gaseous sample, without need for pre-sampling and pre-treatment. NASA's investigation of large-scale environmental processes requires highly accurate measurements of atmospheric parameters from ground-based, airborne, and spaceborne platforms. Coherent Doppler Lidars and Differential Absorption Lidars (DIALs), working with 2-micron pulsed lasers, enable the measurement of CO2. The proposed low noise, narrow linewidth, single frequency 2.05 micron seeder laser with fast frequency modulation and wide tuning range offers a commercial solution to such applications. Its anti-vibration package and all-fiber cavity design allow a compact, reliable and efficient package for the LIDAR application in ground, airborne and space-borne platform. Most components in the fiber laser and the seed laser have been used for space applications, which means both the fiber laser and seed laser can be qualified for space application. More »