In Situ Laser Diagnostics for Arc-Jet Facilities

In this SBIR Phase I effort, Los Gatos Research (LGR) proposes to develop novel instrumentation based on laser absorption spectroscopy techniques for ultrasensitive measurements of atomic and molecular concentrations as well as gas temperature and velocity in high enthalpy flows. These autonomous instruments, based on high resolution laser absorption spectroscopy, will provide highly accurate, real-time quantification of several important species and thus enable the validation and refinement of numerical physical and chemical kinetic models, facilities diagnostics, and eventual development of next-generation components and propulsion systems. In Phase I, the instrument will be fabricated and tested at LGR prior to integration onto a ground-based high enthalpy test facility at NASA Ames. The system will then be refined and delivered to a NASA test site. Final Phase I work will involve developing a Phase II prototype capable of making in situ measurements of multiple parameters in aerothermodynamics test facilities.

Non-NASA commercial applications include: Industrial process diagnostics and control of electric arc furnaces, steel manufacturing, semiconductor process monitoring and control.

The instrumentation will enable measurements of multiple gas concentrations, temperature and velocity in flowfields generated by arc jet facilities and other high enthalpy test facilities (engines, gas turbine engines, wind tunnels, engine augmentors and pulse detonation engines) operated by NASA (e.g., at SSC, Langley, ATK/GASL, AEDC, Ames) and thus enable design and testing of more efficient, reliable, less polluting engines and propulsion systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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