Tunable Infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers for Active Electro-Optical Remote Sensing

The remote monitoring and detection of airborne effluents from nuclear fuel cycle processes are needed to verify nonproliferation agreements. Mid-infrared (IR) light, with wavelengths from 3 to 14 µm, could be used to characterize absorption patterns and would greatly facilitate the identification of these chemicals. However, at present, there is no robust and reliable way to generate an intense beam of mid-IR light that can be tuned by wavelength to look for these absorptions. This project will design and build a high power, tunable mid-IR laser for use in remote sensing applications. State-of-the-art quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology will be incorporated in a minitiaturized tunable-laser cavity to provide a field-ready, mid-IR light source, enabling the detection of airborne chemicals. Phase I will extend current QCL fabrication technology to develop materials suitable for incorporation in a miniaturized tunable-laser cavity. Tunable, near-IR diode-laser technologies will then be extended to the mid-IR to enable design and construction of a miniaturized tunable laser using these new QCL materials. Two prototypes of a tunable mid-IR laser, which meets the remote sensing requirements, will be produced.Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: If tunable mid-IR lasers could be readily produced, many new commercial applications would arise, including remote sensing of industrial emissions, stand-off detection of illicit chemicals, medical breath diagnostics, and diagnostic imaging for medical and industrial purposes