Compact, monolithic reference gas cell

For this effort, we propose to develop a compact, lightweight, monolithic gas cell as an absolute wavelength reference for earth science instruments. Our innovative concept replaces traditional gas cells, whose large size, heavy mass, and low reliability have limited mission design, and have led to increased overall mission cost. This effort will focus on a development of the compact gas cell, and a demonstration of absolute frequency stabilization of a laser based on the developed cell.

This component technology benefits large-scale lidar missions, such as ASCENDS, as well as smaller missions, such as CubeSats and UAVs. It will also find commercial partner(s) to further ruggedize it to be integrated into commercial products, such as gas spectrometer.

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.