← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Current in situ sensors suffer from multiple scattering issues and cannot provide lidar ratio measurements. This project will add dual polarization and backscatter measurements; the new sensor will provide accurate measurements of aerosol/cloud extinction coefficients and lidar ratios.
This project uses both the forward and back-scattered signals will be detected simultaneously, each with high-extinction polarization measurement. It uses four detection channels that are time correlated, whose results will give a comprehensive estimate of aerosol and cloud properties, allowing to calculate their extinction coefficients and lidar ratios without relying on any assumptions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.