Efficient, High Energy 2-micron Solid-State Laser Transmitter for NASA’s Space-based CO2 Measurements

This technology development was initiated during NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) funded Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) with the objective to develop a Thulium (Tm) fiber laser pumped Holmium (Ho) solid-state laser that generates laser pulses in the 2?m wavelength for pulsed CO2 DIAL/IPDA instrument. The key performance characteristics of this laser, such as energy, pulse repetition rate, pulse width, efficiency, frequency accuracy and stability, will meet or exceed the needs of the NASA Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Night, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) transmitter as currently envisioned. This space qualifiable laser architecture utilizes fiber laser and solid-state crystal laser technologies. One of the outstanding properties of the fiber laser is its efficiency. However, it inherently has low damage threshold at high energy pulses. On the other hand, the solid state laser has the capability to produce Joule-level energy at 2?m wavelength. The proposed laser combines the advantages of both lasers to provide the desired energy with high efficiency.