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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Efficient nonlinear optical conversion requires a precise phase-matching condition. Due to optical dispersion (light having a different index of refraction for different wavelengths), the phase-matching condition is only maintained over a narrow wavelength band. Generally temperature- or angle-tuning of the nonlinear crystal is required to maintain phase-matching during wavelength-tuning. We will explore a novel technique to tune the phase-matching condition and thus extend the range over which light can be efficiently converted.
There are numerous spectroscopic applications both in and out of NASA that require wavelength-tunable laser sources. These include differential optical absorption spectroscopy instruments for methane, carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen, etc. and various in-situ spectrometers.
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