Laser technology maturation and risk reduction for space-based remote sensing

This paper presents a multiCenter efforts leading to formulation of an integrated NASA strategy to provide the technology and maturity of systems necessary to make Lidar/Laser systems viable for space-based study and monitoring of the earth´s atmosphere. The goal of such a strategy is to assure the availability of the suite of technologies required to enable the successful development of the broad range of lidar missions envisioned by NASA. The Strategy Team also recommended development of eye-safe space-based solid-state laser transmitters for multiple lidar applications. The concern of eye-safety is promoting the development of solid-state eye-safe laser transmitters in the UV and mid-IR. Using the non-linear optical devices, such as optical parametric oscillator (OPO), optical parametric amplifier (OPA), and wave mixing technologies; the tunable wavelength range can be extended to target the different atmospheric constituents, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia, methane, etc.