Ultra-Compact Transmitter for Space-Based Lidar

Fibertek, Inc. in partnership with researchers at the Pennsylvania State University Center for Innovative Materials Processing through Direct Digital Deposition (CIMP-3D) are proposing to develop a state of the art, space-qualifiable laser transmitter that meets the requirements of the flash lidar transmitter defined in the 2016 STTR subtopic T9.01, Navigation and Hazard Avoidance Sensor Technologies. The design will be an innovative synthesis of key technologies that results in a >3x reduction in the size and weight and a >2x increase in the efficiency of the laser transmitter previously developed for the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) demonstrator program . These key technologies include incorporation of additive manufacturing techniques to develop a much lighter weight mechanical structure, an ultra-compact unstable or near stable ring resonator that achieves a large fundamental mode in an ~7 cm x 4 cm rectangular optical cavity, higher efficiency diode-pumped head designs that incorporate composite gain media, and compact and efficient electronics designs derived from the environmentally hardened versions previously developed for DOD and NASA programs.

The primary focus for the space-qualifiable laser we are proposing to build is as an upgrade to the laser used in the NASA Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology system. Other NASA lidar systems that would be positively impacted by the successful completion of the Phase 2 effort are listed below: 1.Next generation cloud, aerosol, and ocean lidar systems based on High Spectral Resolution Lidar systems. 2.Ozone measurement lidar systems. The improved efficiency and reduced size oscillator and diode pumped heads for both the oscillator and amplifiers could be used to upgrade current ozone DIAL systems. 3.Direct detection wind measurement systems. The higher efficiency diode-pumped heads could be used to improve the efficiency and thus reduce the weight of current direct detection wind lidar systems.

There is a significant commercial interest in the high efficiency, compact laser being proposed. The applications include the following: 1.As an upgrade to the Ball Aerospace Vision Navigation Sensor (VNS). 2.As the transmitter for compact rangefinders that are being developed for commercial satellite servicing systems. 3.Laser marker/designator competition to Arete.

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.