← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)
The lifetime of methane in climate models is uncertain by a factor of two largely because the abundance of the hydroxyl radical, OH, is not well understood. As a result, new in situ measurements of OH are needed to constrain climate models in the coming decade. We propose to build a prototype for an in situ OH instrument and demonstrate a new measurement capability in order to position ourselves for instrument development funding opportunities.
We will use this IRAD to build and demonstrate a prototype in situ OH instrument using a new fiber laser that we developed under last year’s IRAD and a new detection system that will be part of this work. We will use FPGA-based data acquisition that we have developed recently, as well as new capabilities aimed specifically at this project.
This technology will enable us to operate the laser in the lab to make a proof of concept measurement. The controller will also be portable so that we can make the demonstration in a relavent outdoor environment.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.