Advanced Wavelength Tuners for Chem-Bio Detection Lasers

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.