A High Reliability Frequency Stabilized Semiconductor Laser Source, Phase I

NASA needs high stability laser source of 1W output power for Lidar applications. Princeton Optronics has developed ultra-stable, narrow linewidth diode pumped solid state lasers using stable packaging and high performance locker. We have also developed high power Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) semiconductor laser sources. We propose to develop a high reliability master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) type of source with VCSEL as a master oscillator and a semiconductor optical amplifier to obtain a power level of 1W CW. We would use our laser welded packaging technology to develop a rugged package which could be space qualified. By the end of the SBIR program we plan to develop a CW laser source in MOPA configuration for phase modulation and the packaged unit can be space qualified.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications: A high stability laser will have a significant market for LIDAR, RF photonics and sensor applications. The users will be military, NASA, homeland security, cable television distribution and oil exploration industry. The total market for ultrastable lasers is currently at tens of millions of dollars. Princeton Optronics will commercialize the product very soon after development.

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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