Description: Lidar remote sensing of atmospheric gasses requires high-quality laser sources throughout the spectrum from the UV to the infrared. The objective of this SBIR program is development of lidar wavelength-tunable sources that exceed the performance of those currently available. The proposed program brings innovation in design of tunable non-linear parametric converters for efficient one-micron lasers to provide wavelengths in the near infrared through the near ultraviolet. This program targets the specific need for lasers for DIAL measurement of methane near 1.64 ¿m and ozone near 300 nm. However, the technology developed will be useful for sensing of other molecular species including water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and a range of atmospheric pollutants. The proposed program focuses on optimizing performance of non-linear frequency converters to levels well beyond currently available devices. We anticipate improvements in the critical area of conversion efficiency, while maintaining the spectral purity required for DIAL systems. The devices developed will be designed to operate with a new generation of high efficiency Nd-based laser transmitters. These lasers achieve over 10% electrical efficiency; delivering 10s of Watts output at 1064 nm, in nanosecond pulses with diffraction-limited beam quality while operating at up to kilohertz pulse repetition rates. They are ideally suited to driving non-linear converters to provide over 1% system electrical efficiency throughout the desired tuning range.

Benefits: The solid-state nonlinear conversion technology can be quickly transformed into flight units capable of integration into existing or planned lidar systems such as NASA GOLD (Global Ozone lidar Demonstrator), methane or water-vapor DIAL systems, or into the development path for future NASA airborne and space-borne missions. The core OPA/OPO technology is applicable in multiple remote sensing applications, including oxygen, water vapor, CO2, or other atmospheric species with spectral features in the near UV to mid IR range. The transmitters developed under this SBIR are candidates for a number of Venture Class II missions.

The technical approaches developed on this SBIR program flow directly into applications including underwater detection and imaging, atmospheric trace-gas detection, Raman-based remote sensing, and DoD jamming and countermeasures systems. Commercial remote sensing of hydrocarbons and other pollutants associated with petrolium exploration, production and transport also constitutes a growing market for lidar based sensors enabled by technology developed under this SBIR program.