Q-switched non-planar ring oscillator laser for planetary lidars

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 3)

Description

We develop a compact, ultra-stable, single frequency pulsed laser for various planetary lidar applications. Unlike traditional space lidar lasers, our laser is made of a monolithic non-planar ring oscillator cavity that contains mirrors, polarizers, and a passive Q-switch material.

Benefits

The application of this technology includes range-resolving lidar, wind lidar, and multi-wavelength spectroscopic lidar.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Lasers
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2022-10-01
End date	2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
Terry A Hurford — terry.a.hurford@nasa.gov
Kenji Numata — kenji.numata-1@nasa.gov
Daniel R Cremons — daniel.cremons@nasa.gov
Stewart T Wu — stewart.t.wu@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.