Widely Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) Local Oscillator for Infrared Heterodyne Earth Atmospheric Remote Spectrometer (IHEARS)

Investigate use of widely tunable, external cavity quantum cascade laser (QCL) as local oscillator for Infrared Heterodyne Earth Atmospheric Remote Spectrometer (IHEARS) Science goals include unique study of chemical and physical processes in Earth's upper troposphere and stratosphere as they relate to climate change, ozone chemistry, composition and transport Performance goals include emitting wavelengths near 7.6µm and 10.4 µm; single-mode CW output power > 20mW; frequency stability < 0.0003 cm-1; input power <2W Enable smaller, lower cost missions compared to current spectrometers in the 7-12 µm region Enable accurate retrieval gas composition, temperature and winds from the same measured spectrum

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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