The proposed program is directed at satisfying NASAs space mission local oscillator needs at 2.5 THz. The innovation will lead to anoptically pump submillimeter wave (SMMW) laser, consuming less than 100 watts of prime power while emitting 10mW of frequencystable 2.5 THz output. The highly integrated, conductively cooled SMMW local oscillator to be realized in the Phase II program is expected to measure only 3H x 8W x 18L and weigh 20 lbs.
Potential Commercial Applications:Market surveys indicate that approximately 50% of the commercial market for sealed-off waveguide CO2 lasers is at 10W and lower.These commercial lasers sell for about $225.00 per Watt with the power supply accounting for over 50% of the cost. The power supplycost scales linearly with power. The CO2 laser technology developed under the proposed high efficient, conductively cooled CO2 lasersfor space based application can be utilized to develop a low cost CO2 laser for the low power commercial market. DEOS strategic plan callsfor addressing these markets. Consequently DEOS's interest is in participating in a Phase III cost sharing follow-on to this program aftersuccessfully completing a Phase II program that satisfies NASA needs.Note: no official Abstract listing exists of selected NASA Phase II SBIR projects for this year. Hence, this abstract is modified by idi from relevant Phase I data. The specific Phase II work statement and objectives may differ.
