A photonic-lantern-based hybrid receiver to advance a Martian atmospheric CO₂ flux profiling lidar

The proposed efforts enable us to demonstrate a Photonic-Lantern (PL)-based Hybrid Lidar Receiver (HLR), as shown in Figure, at 2.0 µm for a Martian atmospheric CO₂ Flux Profiling Lidar (FPL) for simultaneous profiling of the CO₂ density and 4D-wind in the Martian atmosphere to retrieve CO₂ flux and characterize CO₂ cycles in real time for future Mars missions, including safe Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) on Mars. There is currently no lidar capable of profiling at a single wavelength. Developing a Hybrid Lidar Receiver (HLR) that enables profiling is therefore a critical technology gap.

Integration and demonstration of the photonic‑lantern based HLR will establish the first functional building block for a Martian atmospheric CO₂ FPL. Confirmation of the technical feasibility of combining CO₂ DIAL and 4D‑wind measurements enables future CO₂ flux retrievals and dynamic CO₂ cycles

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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