Tapered Amplifiers for Cold-Atom Optical Systems (TACOS)

AOSense proposes to develop compact laser amplifier modules for cold-atom optical systems. The device would deliver > 1 W of power in optical fiber at 852 nm when paired with an appropriate narrow-linewidth master laser oscillator. A key feature is the integration of a tapered amplifier with AOSense-proprietary compact, high transmission optical isolators, yielding a fiber-in, fiber-out package with dimensions of 50 mm x 65 mm x 35 mm or smaller. This amplifier module has broad applicability to atom interferometers and atomic clocks, but it would be particularly useful for high-performance orbital sensors like Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometers (AIGG). Such systems will likely utilize advanced atom-optic laser pulse sequences, which require more laser power to mitigate atom losses and achieve high sensitivity.

Earth and planetary static and time-variable gravity mapping Asteroid tomography for rendezvous or planetary defense Gravitational wave detection and tests of fundamental physics Gyroscopes and inertial guidance for deep-space navigation Atomic clocks for GPS and communication Magnetometers for space vehicles

Gravity surveys, for example, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Oil, gas, and mineral exploration Inertial navigation to aid GPS or in GPS denied environments Tomographic restricted material monitoring

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.