Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Frequency Agile Mid-IR Source for Planetary Exploration, Phase I
Project Description
The Small Business Innovative Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop a compact, room-temperature widely tunable middle infrared laser source that will be ideal for detecting methane, it's isotopes and related species using ultrasensitive absorption spectroscopies. The broad tuning ability of the laser will also enable the detection of multiple gas-phase trace species in planetary atmospheres with high selectivity. The laser source will be engineered to be ideally suited for use with high finesse multipass cells, including cavity-ringdown cells. During Phase I, a spectral region of tens of nanometers near 3.3 μm will be demonstrated, which overlaps the spectral absorption features of methane, 13CH4, and formaldehyde. When combined with high sensitivity absorption methods, the laser system will enable these species to be detected at concentrations of less than 1 ppbv in the Martian atmosphere.
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Anticipated Benefits
The worldwide market for infrared lasers and infrared laser-based gas sensors with the capabilities of the proposed system is significant. Potential applications include trace gas monitoring, pollution monitoring, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics. NASA applications for the laser described in this proposal include the interrogation of extraterrestrial atmospheres for trace species, as well as in the study of Earth's atmosphere. The laser will have applications in atmospheric chemistry and satellite validation. Additionally, the laser source could also be applied to air quality monitoring in manned spacecraft such as the International Space Station. The ability to measure toxic gases such as formaldehyde and other hydrocarbons aboard manned spacecraft is of utmost importance to JSC space toxicology group.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novawave Technologies | Lead Organization | Industry | Redwood City, California |
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Maryland
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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.