NASA SBIR 00-1 SOLICITATION

FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY

PROPOSAL NUMBER 00-1 13.06-8805 (Chron: 001196 )
PROJECT TITLE
High efficiency laser for space-borne lidar applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The next generation of space-based lidar systems requires high energy and highly efficient solid-state laser transmitters. High efficiency enables the system volume and weight to be reduced, both for the laser and the primary power source. For a space-based lidar application, this means reduced launch weight (and cost) and longer satellite lifetime. The current baseline approach is to use diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers. These lasers must exhibit good beam quality for efficient frequency conversion into the near infrared for cloud and aerosol measurements and into the ultraviolet for ozone detection. Typical electrical efficiency for a spaced-based Nd:YAG laser is ~6%. Aculight Corporation proposes to develop a >10% electrically efficient, 1J/pulse, diode-pumped laser based on the new material ytterbium strontium fluoroapatite (Yb-SFAP) as the gain medium. The laser developed in the Phase II shall be traceable to space-based applications. In Phase I, Aculight proposes to demonstrate a diode-pumped Yb:S-FAP Q-switched oscillator that generates a flattop beam with high extraction efficiency. In Phase II, a laser system with an output energy of ~1 J/pulse at up to 10 Hz with greater than 10% electrical efficiency will be produced and delivered to NASA for evaluation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed laser development could revolutionize the use of high energy, diode-pumped pulsed lasers in medical and industrial applications. With non-linear frequency conversion, this laser can access a wide wavelength region, from the UV to the mid-IR. This laser will have at least a 50% price advantage over a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser of similar performance.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Mark Bowers
Aculight Corporation
11805 North Creek Parkway S. Suite 113
Bothell , WA 98011 - 8803

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Aculight Corporation
11805 North Creek Parkway S. Suite 113
Bothell , WA 98011 - 8803