Single-Frequency Semiconductor Lasers Operating at 1.5 and 2.0 microns, Phase I

While conventional injection seeding sources (such as DFB diode lasers and rare-earth doped solid-state microchip lasers) are available at 1.5 microns, these sources typically lack the ultra-narrow (<50 kHz), ultra-stable output spectrum required for use in applications such as Doppler shift measurements of the tropospheric winds. Furthermore, similar sources which operate at 2.0 microns (a preferred wavelength for space-based atmospheric measurements) are simply unavailable. To fill this need, nLight proposes the parallel development of 1.5 and 2.0 micron injection seeding sources based on our well-established, wavelength-scalable, industry-leading InP semiconductor laser design.

Potential Non-NASA commercial applications include narrow-linewidth eyesafe pump sources for: 1. Military Infrared countermeasures, eyesafe rangefinders, eysafe 3D LIDAR imaging for surveillance, and unmanned autonomous ground and airborne vehicles 2. Medical Tissue bonding, dentistry Potential NASA commercial applications include: 1. Ultra-narrow linewidth LIDAR injection-seeding sources for Doppler shift measurements of the tropospheric winds. 2. Narrow-linewidth eyesafe pump sources for 3D LIDAR imaging for autonomous precision landing including hazard detection and avoidance

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.

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