The proposed program will perform R&D leading to a highly integrated, frequency selectable, far-infrared (FIR) laser local oscillator. This system will contain, within a single compact housing, a novel absolute-frequency-locked 50-100W CO2 pump laser and a compact FIR cell emitting approximately 100mW at 118.8µm. The program is directed toward NASAÕs FIR local-oscillator laser needs for ground-based and airborne THz radiometers. The system will utilize an autonomous stabilization concept for the CO2 pump laser combined with a novel FIR cavity design (optimized for efficiency and long-term stability). The pioneering concept for a Stabilized Integrated FIR (SIFIR) laser will lead to an order of magnitude reduction in volume (~6"W x 6"H x 24"L) and weight (~35 lbs) over present technologies. These innovations are key to meeting the deployability requirements of ground-based/airborne THz radiometers discussed in subtopic 08.05. The SFIR laser will: optimize LO-demanding receivers (such as Schottky-diodes), permit pumping of arrays of receivers, and drive sideband-generators-based LOÕs for widely-tunable receivers. The key innovations will be demonstrated in Phase I and a complete system realized in Phase II.Commercial Applications:FIR Lasers Transceivers have applications in inspecting/quality control of bubble sizes within plastic foams, voids within structural plastics, remote monitoring of molecules within the atmosphere, as non-contacting probing instrumentation in plasma experiments, and in scale modeling of lower frequency EM antenna radiation scatter from obscales (i.e. cellular communication in downtown locations), etc. The 50W plus CO2 laser developed under the program can also find commercial use in desktop manufacturing, product marking, engraving, etc. type applications. DEOS strategic plan calls for addressing these markets. Consequently, DEOS is interested in participating in a Phase III cost sharing follow-on to this program after successfully completing the Phase II directed toward satisfying NASA needs.
