Chip-scale Waveform Modulation System for Navigation Doppler Lidar

We propose to develop a precision optoelectronic control assembly that will stabilize the photonic integrated circuit (PIC) substrate temperature through thermal feedback loops, and a control closed loop to correct drift to the resonator operating center frequency due to environmental variations. Experiments will be performed on the control network to actively lock the resonator center frequencies by using on and off photonic chip components. We will use chipsets from the first foundry run of Phase II, that have been characterized in our laboratory, as well as construction of a PIC with built in locking optoelectronics. The effort enhances the technology for infusion and commercialization, including ruggedization for field and space mission support.

The Navigation Doppler Lidar is one of of several sensors baselined at NASA for landers, as it shows great promise to provide high precision measurements used during navigation and landing on planetary bodies. Application specific photonic integrated chips offer maturation of this sensor by improving its performance while reducing cost and complexity. Packaging and control methods developed under this effort also provide multi-function capabilities of the NDL for altimetry, rendezvous proximity operations, and ground vehicle navigation.

The PIC that will result from this project will go into products that target all three of Psionic markets: Commercial space applications such as rendezvous & proximity operations, and precision landing will greatly benefit from the cost, and SWAP reduction. Defense applications include air or ground vehicles navigation in GPS denied environments.

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.

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