PSI Pleasanton, CA

Specialty

Research and development in the areas of space power/propulsion technology, fluid dynamics, instrumentation, non-linear optics, and gas sensing. 

Overview / Experience

The Pleasanton, CA Operations of PSI were established in March 1991 and are located in Pleasanton, CA. They started work in space solar power, magneto hydrodynamics (MHD), and materials processing for space. Dr. Takashi Nakamura, Manager of Space Exploration Technologies and head of the Pleasanton Operations, has developed innovative optical waveguide systems for solar material processing, plant lighting and propulsion in space. The SFO also contributes to several important PSI programs within the international aerospace community. For example, PSI has developed several space environmental monitor systems and experimental facilities for Japanese aerospace agencies. Two of the space radiation sensors PSI developed are currently in orbit onboard Japanese scientific satellites. The data being acquired by these sensors are considered to be significant contribution to the international space community. Several additional sensors will be launched within the next few years.

In 2000, Pleasanton began exploring nonlinear optics and laser-based chemical sensing. Led by Dr. Douglas Bamford, PSI developed new mid-infrared laser sources based on guided-wave frequency conversion in periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN). These sources will be employed as key components of gas sensors for a variety of applications including atmospheric trace gas measurement and industrial process control. PSI is also investigating a new nonlinear optical material, periodically-poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (PPSLT) for use in the frequency conversion of compact solid-state lasers. Dr. David Cook is leading the development of tunable laser sources operating in the far-infrared (THz) region of the spectrum for container-penetrating detection of contraband substances, remote sensing, non-destructive evaluation of composite materials, and biomedical imaging. 

Contact

Dr. Takashi Nakamura

Physical Sciences Inc.
6652 Owens Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Telephone (925) 743-1110
Fax (925) 460-0110

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