Tunable laser absorption spectrometer

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

For this effort, we propose to develop a tunable laser spectrometer source for future NASA planetary missions. The proposed technology would improve the traditional concept of lidar instrument. This effort will focus on investigating the tunable laser transmitter concept.

This work greatly leverages our experience from developing trace-gas laser sounders. Specifically, we will investigate advanced tunable laser concepts.

Benefits

Development of lidar technology for planetary exploration

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Lasers
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2016-10-01
End date	2018-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Brook Lakew — brook.lakew@nasa.gov
Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
Terence A Doiron — terence.a.doiron@nasa.gov
Kenji Numata — kenji.numata-1@nasa.gov
Haris Riris — haris.riris-1@nasa.gov
Stewart T Wu — stewart.t.wu@nasa.gov
Xiaoli Sun — xiaoli.sun-1@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.