Single-Frequency Semiconductor Lasers Operating at 1.5 and 2.0 microns

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. Based on promising results obtained under NASA Phase 1 SBIR funding, 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. Optical feedback provided by external volumetric or fiber Bragg gratings serves to narrow the semiconductor linewidth to the appropriate level. If necessary, further linewidth reduction can be achieved by means of electronic feedback circuitry. The line-stabilized diode lasers will be integrated with nLight's exiting space-qualified (space flown), hermetically-sealed, compact single-mode diode package, efficiently coupled to single mode fibers, and delivered to NASA.

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 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.