Project Title:

Diode-Pumped Laser Altimeter

08.02-2299
Diode-Pumped Laser Altimeter
Schwartz Electro-Optics
45 Winthrop Street
Concord
MA
01742
Peter F.
Moulton
(508-371-2299)
GSFC

Abstract:

Diode-pumped, solid-state lasers are compact, relatively efficient, long-lifetime
sources of coherent radiation and are well-suited to a number of NASA space-based,
active remote-sensing systems. This innovation combines the use of a diode-array-pumped
neodymium (Nd) laser with pulse-transmission-mode, Q-switching to generate the one-nanosecond-duration
pulses required for one particular sensing application, high-precision laser altimetry.
This combination has, to our knowledge, not yet been implemented in diode-pumped
lasers but is more favorable for nanosecond pulse generation than more conventional
Q-switching techniques. Also, the overall efficiency of transverse-pumped, single-transverse-mode
Nd lasers will be improved over current levels by the use of innovative pumping and
laser-cavity geometries. Improvements in efficiency and consequent reduction in both
electrical power consumption and heat generation are of major importance in space-based
systems and other remote-sensing applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Uses could occur in high-reliability, compact
optical range-finders exhibiting long lifetime and high range-resolution.