Novel Hemispherical Scanner for a Coherent Fiber LIDAR System

SibellOptics proposes to develop an eye-safe, long-range, compact, versatile, all-fiber wind LIDAR system for atmospheric wind velocity measurement applications that is more efficient, and reliable, and at a much lower up-front and lifetime cost than any wind LIDAR system currently available. The hardware for this fiber wind LIDAR system has already been designed and the major components identified. Therefore, it is proposed that, for this Phase 1 SBIR program effort, that SibellOptics procure all materials for the scanner / telescope, assemble the sub-system, and run a preliminary test.

Wind Energy Wind energy generation is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and LIDAR technology is gaining a great deal of momentum in this market segment as a means to assess potential wind farm sites, optimize the performance of current facilities, and to protect expensive wind turbines from damage. A wind LIDAR for both wind assessment and operations where its longer range (14 km) combined with an attractive price can be utilized to replace multiple LIDARS or anemometer towers. Yachting and Harbor Subscriptions Maritime markets potentially include ocean-going vessels as well as subscription wind data and weather sales to harbors and ports. There are four opportunities to address in this market: (1) the owners of luxury yachts, (2) the yacht manufacturers, (3) the yacht charter operators and (4) the harbor market where ships of all types operate. Meteorological Environmental scientists have successfully used the WindTracerREG system to accurately track the direction and dispersion of factory atmospheric emissions and volcanic ash. The WindTracerREG LIDAR has also been used by atmospheric scientists to study the formation of typhoons over the Pacific Ocean.

Of particular interest to this program is the detection, tracking, and measurement of wake vortices and turbulence. The major incentives for wake vortex and turbulence monitoring are twofold: safety and efficiency. A coherent LIDAR system has the ability to dynamically track wake vortices and turbulence along the glide slope path of an aircraft to a much greater resolution than other meteorological measurement systems. Furthermore, a fiber-based system will be greatly reduced in size, weight, and power (SWAP) over the only aviation LIDAR system currently available commercially.

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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