UV lifetime demonstrator for space-based applications

Michael Albert; Kent Puffenburger; Tom Schum; Fran Fitzpatrick; Slava Litvinovitch; Darrell Jones; Joseph Rudd; Floyd Hovis

doi:10.1117/12.2228371

5 May 2016 UV lifetime demonstrator for space-based applications

Michael Albert, Kent Puffenburger, Tom Schum, Fran Fitzpatrick, Slava Litvinovitch, Darrell Jones, Joseph Rudd, Floyd Hovis

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9879, Lidar Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring XV; 987909 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2228371
Event: SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing, 2016, New Delhi, India

Abstract

A long-lived UV laser is an enabling technology for a number of high-priority, space-based lidar instruments. These include next generation cloud and aerosol lidars that incorporates a UV channel, direct detection 3-D wind lidars, and ozone DIAL (differential absorption lidar) systems. In previous SBIR funded work we developed techniques for increasing the survivability of components in high power UV lasers and demonstrated improved operational lifetimes. In this Phase III ESTO funded effort we are designing and building a TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 6 demonstrator that will have increased output power and a space-qualifiable package that is mechanically robust and thermally-stable. For full space compatibility, thermal control will be through pure conductive cooling. Contamination control processes and optical coatings will be chosen that are compatible with lifetimes in excess of 1 billion shots. The 1064nm output will be frequency tripled to provide greater than 100 mJ pulses of 355 nm light at 150 Hz. The laser module build was completed in the third quarter of 2015 at which time a series of life tests were initiated. The first phase of the lifetime testing is a 532 nm only test that is expected to complete in April 2016. The 532 nm lifetest will be followed by a 4 month half power UV life test and then a four month full power UV life test. The lifetime tests will be followed by thermal/vacuum (TVAC) and vibration testing to demonstrate that the laser optics module design is at TRL 6.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Albert, Kent Puffenburger, Tom Schum, Fran Fitzpatrick, Slava Litvinovitch, Darrell Jones, Joseph Rudd, and Floyd Hovis "UV lifetime demonstrator for space-based applications", Proc. SPIE 9879, Lidar Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring XV, 987909 (5 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2228371

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available