Field-deployable, small, ultra-sensitive, battery-powered laser spectrometer for toxic chemical detection

Using our proprietary and proven technique for machining fused silica, we propose to manufacture robust and stable hybrid fiber-waveguide tunable lasers. These hybrid lasers will be integrated into field-deployable, high-sensitivity, miniature, infrared laser spectrometers capable of performing real-time measurements of a wide range of chemical toxics. Broad IR coverage will be obtained through non-linear mixing of two or more hybrid sources. Unlike present commercial system, the tunable IR laser source will be fully waveguided. This design approach will provide exceptional robustness. Wavelength tuning, bandwidth control, synchronization, and wavelength monitoring functionalities will be implemented using waveguided elements and MEMS elements imbedded deep inside fused silica substrates. These energy efficient spectrometers will run on standard batteries without outside power sources.