Description: CO2 sensing using absorption bands near 1570nm is very attractive by taking advantage of the mature fiber-amplifier technology derived from fiber-optic telecom heritage. This necessitates sufficient power scaling in 1.5 micrometer fiber-amplifiers, either in the pulsed-mode, or in the cw-mode for modulation spectroscopy.In this SBIR program we propose the design, optimization, experimental evaluation and prototype development of a high-power,high wall-plug efficiency, 1571.1 nm fiber-amplifier laser transmitter, compatible with multi-line cw intensity-modulated integrated-path differential absorption spectroscopy, with the size, weight and power (SWaP) optimized for airborne and eventual space-qualifiable roadmap for ASCENDS mission. We leverage innovations in high-power 1.5 micrometer fiber-optic technology and fiber-amplifier architecture, while using high-reliability 1.5 micrometer silica-fiber based passive/active components. Our expectation is that at the end of Phase 2, a TRL-6 level hardware can be developed and delivered for an airborne mission, and which is also compatible with a space-flight maturation roadmap.

Benefits: Airborne campaign for CO2 column sensing via integrated-path differential-absorption approach. Roadmap for an eventual space mission for highly accurate CO2 mapping over day/night conditions (ASCENDS). Planetary atmospheric sensing e.g. CO2 sensing on Mars. Pump source for an OPO/OPA based lidar transmitter architecture, to access strong mid-IR absorption bands of CO2, or other atmospheric species of interest, e.g. CH4 (via the 3.27 micrometer lines).

Laser source to enable CO2, CH4 sensing in process control.