Award Data

The purpose of this program is to develop a compact and efficient ultraviolet laser system for ozone sensing from space. The basis for this system will be a diode-pumped neodymium-yttria (Nd:Y2O3) laser which is frequency-tripled to generate uv light at either 305nm or 315nm. The ability to generate both uv wavelengths from a single frequency-tripled Nd:Y2O3 laser makes this approach potentially 4 ...

We propose a Yb:S-FAP laser system that will provide over 1 J per pulse output at 100 Hz with excellent beam quality and high efficiency, in a package far more compact, and lighter weight than conventional laser systems. The proposed laser system uses design approaches compatible with space-qualification. The high-pulse-energy power oscillator architecture is especially suited to space platforms ...

Optically pumped, high power, mid-Infrared semiconductor lasers that operate at cryogenic temperature must be engineered to operate over large ambient temperature and harsh vibration environments to be able to be used in future IRCM systems. The proposed work will demonstrate novel methods of laser packaging that enable operation of a low cost, mid-infrared, semiconductor laser in military tempe ...

Currently, mid-infrared lasers must be integrated into highly restrictive volumes near the outer surfaces of air platforms. Fiber coupling of mid-infrared lasers would enhance the tactical utility for such devices by enabling the laser to be remotely located from the pointer-tracker. The proposed work will demonstrate the efficient fiber coupling of a mid-infrared semiconductor laser in a low lo ...

The purpose of this program is to develop a compact and efficient ultraviolet laser for use in space-based uv-Raman instruments. The basis for this system will be a diode-pumped neodymium-yttria (Nd:Y2O3) ceramic laser which is frequency-quadrupled to generate uv light at 237nm. The unique combination of a low-cost and robust ceramic laser with efficient 4th harmonic generation will provide an ide ...

The SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 1179C is the regulatory method for determining the exhaust Smoke Number from jet engines. This methodology is slow and cumbersome and requires handling and analyzing paper filters which have been exposed to the jet engine exhaust effluent which has been transported via a sampling rake and heated sample lines. In Phase I, Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. suc ...

The NASA objective of expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space will require the development of regenerable life support systems. On-board carbon dioxide (CO2) removal units play a key role in such systems ensuring high quality cabin air for crew members. Similar but more compact units are needed for extravehicular activities (space suit). The overall objective is to develop ...

The objective of the Phase I SBIR program was to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating pyrolysis and incineration steps into a system for processing of spacecraft solid wastes. The Phase I study involved a combination of bench scale experiments and data analysis. This work was accomplished in four tasks: 1) design and construct bench scale unit; 2) laboratory studies on solid waste processing ...

Sensors are vital during advanced turbine engine development testing. Sensor data expedite engine development programs and bring new advanced propulsion and ground-power engines to market sooner. Ceramic thermal barrier coating (TBC) on first-stage turbine blades is now a vital component of advanced engines under development for future military aircraft, protecting the underlying metal alloy blade ...

This Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of providing panoramic stereoscopic images for remote-controlled robotic space operations using three fixed-position cameras. Remote-controlled robot operations are an important element in orbital and planetary space missions. Advanced display systems can greatly enhance the effectiveness of these operations. In the system proposed here, hum ...