Project Title:
Technical Proposal to Develop Technology for a Space Qualifiable Carbon Dioxide Laser
08.06-1920
Technical Proposal to Develop Technology for a Space Qualifiable Carbon Dioxide Laser
System
Pulse Systems Inc.
139 Longview Drive
Los Alamos
NM
87544
McLellan
Edward J.
NAS5-29419
Amount:
GSFC
NAS5-28639
Abstract:
Global wind sensing using CO2 lasers is a prime NASA mission objective. Pulse Systems, Inc. (PSI) has analyzed its unique patented laser discharge design
in a Phase I SBIR grant to determine how it could best aid in the development of
a space-qualifiable CO2 laser remote-sensor system. This analysis combined with
test data accumulated during Phase I shows that, with the unique PSI discharge design,
it is feasible to design, construct and test a CO2 discharge module with performance
goals of greater than 108 sealed shot-life with total system volume of less than
0.01 m3 and weight of less than 8 kg including all electronics, optics and tube.
Additional goals for the proposed CO2 module when used as a laser are greater than
1.0 Joules per pulse at 10 Hertz with a wall-plug (total system including all electronics
losses) efficiency of greater than 10%. The objective of Phase II is to design,
fabricate and test a sealed CO2 laser using the unique PSI laser
discharge technology. This system will be used to conduct tests and accumulate
data which will be used to optimize far-field energy per pulse, efficiency and shot-life
while minimizing size and weight. Expected results from the proposed Phase II program
include meeting the above stated performance goals with minimal chirp in a rugged
thermally stable package suitable for spaceborne applications.