Methane LIDAR Laser Technology

Fibertek proposes to develop laser technology intended to meet NASA's need for innovative lidar technologies for atmospheric measurements of methane. NASA and the 2007 NRC Earth Science Decadal Study have identified methane lidar as a key technology needed to address global change research. Under this SBIR opportunity, we propose to develop an injection-seeded Erbium-doped YAG (Er:YAG) laser transmitter for methane lidar that can be used to increase performance of an existing GSFC methane lidar SNR by 20-40 times and enable future International Space Station (ISS) and satellite platform missions. In addition to targeting space flight applications, the technology could also be used for future global hawk (GH) mission. Key innovations of this technology include: * Average output power >5W at 10kHz pulse repetition rates * Direct generation of near-transform-limited single-frequency output at a 1.65?m methane absorption wavelength with appropriate linestrength for high-altitude aircraft or spaceflight measurements. * High reliability and compact size, weight and power (SWaP) * Potential for high efficiency (4-8% wall plug efficiency)

Methane Lidar Measurements - International Space Station or satellite based methane lidar - High altitude airborne (Global Hawk) methane lidar - Update existing DC8 lidar.

The core technology developed in this SBIR will have an impact on the eyesafe lidar community for: - Rangefinding - Designators - 3D flash and scanning lidars - Coherent Imaging - Commercial gas exploration

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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