SBIR-STTR Award

Active standoff detection of chemical and biological agents with lasers has proven to be very effective. Specific targets include chemical vapors, chemical aerosols, and biological particles. Most notably, the FAL (Frequency Agile Laser) sensor developed by ECBC (Edgewood Chemical Biological Center) has shown capability to detect all of these targets with a single device. Also, optical techniques in point sensors have also proven successful based on micro-lasers such as the QCL (Quantum Cascade Laser) and various solid state lasers with wavelength shifting by OPO (Optical Parametric Oscillation) and using the fundamentally the same phenomenologies of DISC (differential scattering) and DIAL (differential absorption lidar) as applied to FAL. These transmitters require unique wavelength tuners. The Phase I program will address novel approaches to the development of more compact, robust, rapid wavelength tuners with greater selectivity, angular resolution, and repeatability. This will significantly enhance the active standoff and point sensor capability by increasing the probability of detection, decreasing false alarm rates, and decreasing the time required for algorithmic analysis.

Keywords:
Chemical And Biological Defense, Wavelength Tuner, Agile Tuner, Long-Wave Infrared Laser Transmitter, Quantum Cascade Laser, Co2 Waveguide Laser, Co2 Tea Laser, Opo Shifted So

Several laser types are in development by the government for advanced proximal sensors, including the quantum cascade laser, the miniature solid state laser with optical parametric oscillator and the miniature CO2 gas laser. The enabling critical component for all these advanced transmitters is the compact, robust, rapid, precision wavelength selector. It is proposed to develop and deliver a state-of-the-art wavelength selector using novel techniques that will significantly improve presently available tuner performance by factors of 2 to 4. A proof-of-principle device will be delivered with overall dimensions on the order of 3" x 3" x 3" (27 in3) and it will have a development path to a deployable device with volume of only 19 in3. The Phase II program will realize for the government a demonstration of the critical component for miniature transmitters applicable to a number of new point and proximal sensors for military deployment and civilian applications. These sensor applications include surface contaminant detection, weapons of mass destruction detection, environmental monitoring, and process control.

Keywords:
Chemical and biological defense, wavelength tuner, agile tuner, long-wave infrared laser transmitter, QCL quantum cascade laser, CO2 waveguide laser, CO2 TEA laser, OPO shifte