Compact, Wavelength Stabilized Seed Source for Multi-Wavelength Lidar Applications

This SBIR Phase I effort proposes to establish the feasibility of developing a compact, high performance laser source for integration into the next generation seed laser system for high stability, multi-wavelength lidar applications such as NASA Langley's HSRL program. Combination of the high performance laser source together with ADVR's integrated Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology will provide the electro-optic control signals required for precise locking of the seed source to a reference wavelength. A next generation seed laser system which incorporates the PLC concept, together with improvements in the source laser technology will advance NASA's lidar systems due to its compact, efficient, and reliable design, thus enabling use on small aircraft and space based platforms. The focus of the Phase II effort will be the optimization and integration of this technology into the next generation HSLR seed laser system with > a 50% reduction in weight, size and cost.