Pulsed, Single-Frequency, 2-um Seed Source for Coherent LIDAR Applications

The primary objective of the proposed Phase I effort is to develop and demonstrate a low-average power, pulsed, single-frequency, 2-um Ho-laser source for application as a front end in coherent LIDAR systems. Development of such pulsed seed sources is critical for the design of compact, rugged, reliable and efficient LIDAR transmitters based on all-amplifier architecture. Pulsed operation of the Ho-oscillator is achieved via passive Q-switching using robust Cr2+-doped saturable absorbers. Such seed oscillators allow generation of ns-width pulse trains at kHz repetition rates. Direct diode-pumping using the latest 1.9-um diode laser technology provides improved oscillator reliability and compactness. The choice of a 2-um Ho-laser material (as opposed to 1.5-um Er-lasers) enables efficient power/energy scaling of the pulsed seed oscillator output in high-gain Ho-amplifiers. This approach decreases the number of amplifying stages, simplifies the overall design and packaging, and improves the electrical efficiency of the complete laser system as compared to the current technology.

Commercial uses are for ground- and aircraft-based wind sensors in commercial aviation for wind shear and turbulence detection , as well as monitoring of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The low-power, pulsed 2-um oscillator can be also be offered as a stand-alone component.

The proposed work has direct application to NASA coherent, wind-sensing lidar programs based on the use of pulsed, eyesafe, 2-um region lasers, as well as CO2 DIAL applications. The proposed seed oscillator concept provides compact design, enhanced ruggedness and aids the overall laser system efficiency. Other use is as a front end of an all-amplifier-system to pump mid-IR parametric oscillators for application to DIAL sensors.

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.

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.