Laser Source for LiDAR Instrument (GSFC IRAD)

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This IRAD project continues the work begun under an FY2017 IRAD award for a laser source based on photonic crystal. Successfully developing key subsystems will be a critical step toward a viable LiDAR instrument that would provide the ability to obtain signatures of numerous species.

For this FY2018, we propose to continue work on the laser source.

Benefits

This is an enabling technology that is needed to realize the goal of a laser ranging instrument that will have applications in 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-1@nasa.gov
Michael J Amato — michael.j.amato@nasa.gov
George B Shaw — george.b.shaw@nasa.gov
Frankie Micalizzi — frankie.micalizzi@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.