NASA SBIR 00-1 SOLICITATION
FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY
PROPOSAL NUMBER 00-1 13.06-8332 (Chron: 001669 )
PROJECT TITLE
Laser Materials for Remote Sensing of Ozone
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Space based lidar systems for the remote sensing of Ozone require high-power,
high-efficiency lasers operating in the ultraviolet. Diode-pumped solid-state
lasers are the primary candidates for this application. Operation in the ultraviolet
is typically achieved through two or three frequency conversion steps using nonlinear
optical materials. This reduces the efficiency of the laser systems placing very
stringent demands on the laser design and the gain media. A promising material
for use in lasers for the remote sensing of Ozone is Nd:Y2O3 operating at 914
nm and 948 nm using the 4F3/2 to 4I9/2 transition of the Nd3+ ion. This material
offers several advantages over other crystals, including a lower threshold for
oscillation of this transition, a high thermal conductivity, and a broad transmission
range from 0.23 microns to 8 microns. Recent studies indicate that this material
is well suited to Ozone lidar applications provided that crystals of sufficient
size and quality are available. This Phase I SBIR project is aimed at developing
growth systems to produce high optical quality Y2O3 and at demonstrating proof
of concept for scaling of such systems to produce laser rods of sufficient size
for use in lasers systems capable of meeting NASA's requirements for Ozone sensing.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Yttria has the potential of several commercial applications. First is the replacement
of Nd:YAG in laser oscillators and amplifiers. The material may also lead to new
applications because of improved material performance. A second application is
4-8 ƒÝm optics. This material may make a very practical optic in this
region on the spectrum. A third application is for high temperature optics. This
material can be inserted directly into a hot gas stream for thermal studies above
2000 C.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
(Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Randy W. Equall
Scientific Materials Corporation
310 Icepond Road
Bozeman , MT 59715 - 5380
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
(Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Scientific Materials Corporation
310 Icepond Road
Bozeman , MT 59715 - 5380