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Completed TRL 1 (started at 1, targeting 1)
Accurate measurement of atmospheric constituents such as CO2, CH4, CO, O3, NO2 and CH2O will enable prediction of the consequences of atmospheric science. These low concentrate gases have strong absorption features in the mid infrared spectral range known as the fingerprint region. However, mid infrared solid-state lasers needed for DIAL systems are not available. Novel methods will be used to dope rare earth ions into thin film waveguide layers and assessed for their potential to produce inexpensive, compact laser systems.
Mid-infrared lasers will enable accurate measurement of atmospheric constituents such as CO2, CH4, CO, O3, NO2 and CH2O necessary to understand the Earth's atmosphere.
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