Stewart Wu

Frequency stabilization of distributed-feedback laser diodes at 1572 nm for lidar measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide

We demonstrate a wavelength-locked laser source that rapidly steps through six wavelengths distributed across a 1572.335 nm carbon dioxide (CO(2)) absorption line to allow precise measurements of atmospheric CO(2) absorption. A distributed-feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) was frequency-locked to the CO(2) line center by using a frequency modulation technique, limiting its peak-to-peak frequency drift to 0.3 MHz at 0.8 s averaging time over 72 hours. Four online DFB-LDs were then offset locked to this laser using phase-locked loops, retaining virtually the same absolute frequency stability. These online and two offline DFB-LDs were subsequently amplitude switched and combined. This produced a precise wavelength-stepped laser pulse train, to be amplified for CO(2) measurements.

Precision and fast wavelength tuning of a dynamically phase-locked widely-tunable laser

We report a precision and fast wavelength tuning technique demonstrated for a digital-supermode distributed Bragg reflector laser. The laser was dynamically offset-locked to a frequency-stabilized master laser using an optical phase-locked loop, enabling precision fast tuning to and from any frequencies within a ~40-GHz tuning range. The offset frequency noise was suppressed to the statically offset-locked level in less than ~40 μs upon each frequency switch, allowing the laser to retain the absolute frequency stability of the master laser. This technique satisfies stringent requirements for gas sensing lidars and enables other applications that require such well-controlled precision fast tuning.

Ground demonstration of trace gas lidar based on optical parametric amplifier

Abstract. We report on the development effort of a nanosecond-pulsed optical parametric amplifier (OPA) for remote trace gas measurements for Mars and Earth. The OPA output has ∼ 500     MHz linewidth and is widely tunable at both near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths, with an optical—optical conversion efficiency of up to ∼ 39 % . Using this laser source, we demonstrated open-path measurements of CH 4 (3291 and 1652 nm), CO 2 (1573 nm), H 2 O (1652 nm), and CO (4764 nm) on the ground. The simplicity, tunability, and power scalability of the OPA make it a strong candidate for general planetary lidar instruments, which will offer important information on the origins of the planet’s geology, atmosphere, and potential for biology.

Spaceborne laser transmitters for remote sensing applications

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has been engaging in Earth and planetary science remote sensing instruments development for many years. The latest instrument was launched in 2008 to the moon providing the most detailed topographic map of the lunar surface to-date. NASA GSFC is preparing for several future missions, which for the first time will perform active spectroscopic measurements from space. In this paper we will review the past, present and future of space-qualified lasers for remote sensing applications at GSFC.

Development of optical parametric amplifier for lidar measurements of trace gases on Earth and Mars

Trace gases in planetary atmospheres offer important clues as to the origins of the planets hydrology, geology, atmosphere, and potential for biology. We report on the development effort of a nanosecond-pulsed optical parametric amplifier (OPA) for remote trace gas measurements for Mars and Earth. The OPA output light is single frequency with high spectral purity and is widely tunable both at 1600 nm and 3300 nm with an optical-optical conversion efficiency of ~40%. We demonstrated open-path atmospheric measurements of CH4 (3291 nm and 1651 nm), CO2 (1573 nm), H2O (1652 nm) with this laser source.

Spaceborne laser development for future remote sensing applications

At NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, we are developing the next generation laser transmitters for future remote sensing applications including a micropulse altimeter for ice-sheet monitoring, laser spectroscopic measurements and high resolution mapping of the Earths surface as well as potential missions to other planets for trace gas measurement and mapping. In this paper we will present an overview of the spaceborne laser programs and offer insights into future spaceborne lasers for remote sensing applications.

Spaceflight laser development for future remote sensing applications

At NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center we are developing next generation laser transmitters for future spaceflight, remote instruments including a micropulse altimeter for ice-sheet and sea ice monitoring, laser spectroscopic measurements of atmospheric CO2 and an imaging lidar for high resolution mapping of the Earths surface. These laser transmitters also have applicability to potential missions to other solar-system bodies for trace gas measurements and surface mapping. In this paper we review NASA spaceflight laser transmitters used to acquire measurements in orbit around Mars, Mercury, Earth and the Moon. We then present an overview of our current spaceflight laser programs and describe their intended uses for remote sensing science and exploration applications.

Seeded nanosecond optical parametric generator for trace gas measurements

We report on the development effort of a nanosecond-pulsed seeded optical parametric generator (OPG) for remote trace gas measurements. The seeded OPG output light is single frequency with high spectral purity and is widely tunable both at 1600nm and 3300nm with an optical-optical conversion efficiency of ~40%. We demonstrated simultaneous tuning over the methane (CH4) absorption line at idler wavelength, 3270.4nm, and carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption line at signal wavelength, 1578.2nm. In this paper, we will also discuss open-path atmospheric measurements with this newly developed laser source.

Fiber-based laser MOPA transmitter packaging for space environment

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has been developing lidar to remotely measure CO2 and CH4 in the Earth’s atmosphere. The ultimate goal is to make space-based satellite measurements with global coverage. We are working on maturing the technology readiness of a fiber-based, 1.57-micron wavelength laser transmitter designed for use in atmospheric CO2 remote-sensing. To this end, we are building a ruggedized prototype to demonstrate the required power and performance and survive the required environment. We are building a fiber-based master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser transmitter architecture. The laser is a wavelength-locked, single frequency, externally modulated DBR operating at 1.57-micron followed by erbium-doped fiber amplifiers. The last amplifier stage is a polarization-maintaining, very-large-mode-area fiber with ~1000 μm2 effective area pumped by a Raman fiber laser. The optical output is single-frequency, one microsecond pulses with >450 μJ pulse energy, 7.5 KHz repetition rate, single spatial mode, and < 20 dB polarization extinction.

Methane optical density measurements with an integrated path differential absorption lidar from an airborne platform

Abstract. We report on an airborne demonstration of atmospheric methane (CH4) measurements with an integrated path differential absorption lidar using an optical parametric amplifier and optical parametric oscillator laser transmitter and sensitive avalanche photodiode detector. The lidar measures the atmospheric CH4 absorption at multiple, discrete wavelengths near 1650.96 nm. The instrument was deployed in the fall of 2015, aboard NASA’s DC-8 airborne laboratory along with an in situ spectrometer and measured CH4 over a wide range of surfaces and atmospheric conditions from altitudes of 2 to 13 km. We will show the results from our flights, compare the performance of the two laser transmitters, and identify areas of improvement for the lidar.