Tunable Single Frequency 2.054 Micron Fiber Laser Using New Ho-Doped Fiber

In this proposal, we propose to demonstrate and build a near 2 micron widely tunable, narrow linewidth, single frequency fiber laser by developing an innovative Ho-doped single mode fiber. Such near 2 micron fiber laser is needed for coherent lidar and interferometric fiber sensing. In Phase I, we will design and fabricate this new fiber, demonstrate fixed wavelength narrow linewidth single frequency fiber laser with linewidth of less than 3KHz, demonstrate wavelength tuning range of greater than 10nm and demonstrate 5GHz frequency modulation with no any mode-hoping. Successful demonstration of such a fiber laser will enable many new NASA and commercial applications.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) encompasses research in the areas of Astrophysics, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science. A major objective of SMD instrument development programs is to implement science measurement capabilities with smaller or more affordable spacecraft so development programs can meet multiple mission needs and therefore make the best use of limited resources. This proposed near 2 micron tunable narrow linewidth single frequency fiber laser can be used as innovative lidar component for measurements of the atmosphere and surface topography of the Earth, Mars, the Moon, and other planetary bodies. Because it is fiber based, this single frequency laser is compact, efficient, and extremely reliable.

Near 2 micron tunable single frequency fiber lasers have a number of potential non-NASA commercial applications. This eye-safe laser source can be used to build commercial lidar for ranging and surface topography applications, be used as the light source for fiber optical sensing, fast scanning biomedical imaging, and scientific research.

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.

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