Frequency Agile Mid-IR Source for Planetary Exploration

The Small Business Innovative Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop a compact, room-temperature widely tunable middle infrared laser source that will be ideal for detecting methane, it's isotopes and related species using ultrasensitive absorption spectroscopies. The broad tuning ability of the laser will also enable the detection of multiple gas-phase trace species in planetary atmospheres with high selectivity. The laser source will be engineered to be ideally suited for use with high finesse multipass cells, including cavity-ringdown cells. During Phase I, a spectral region of tens of nanometers near 3.3 μm will be demonstrated, which overlaps the spectral absorption features of methane, 13CH4, and formaldehyde. When combined with high sensitivity absorption methods, the laser system will enable these species to be detected at concentrations of less than 1 ppbv in the Martian atmosphere.

The worldwide market for infrared lasers and infrared laser-based gas sensors with the capabilities of the proposed system is significant. Potential applications include trace gas monitoring, pollution monitoring, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics.

NASA applications for the laser described in this proposal include the interrogation of extraterrestrial atmospheres for trace species, as well as in the study of Earth's atmosphere. The laser will have applications in atmospheric chemistry and satellite validation. Additionally, the laser source could also be applied to air quality monitoring in manned spacecraft such as the International Space Station. The ability to measure toxic gases such as formaldehyde and other hydrocarbons aboard manned spacecraft is of utmost importance to JSC space toxicology group.

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.

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.