Laser Sources and Applications

Mission

The mission of the Laser Sources and Applications area is to exploit or invent laser sources that enable sensor applications in defense, environmental, security, and industrial markets. Custom laser-based sensors are developed, delivered, and supported at user facilities. Basic research in optics, photonics, spectroscopy, and optical materials is also conducted.

PSI's diode laser-based air mass flux sensor undergoing pre-flight checks on an F-18 aircraft at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

Core Competencies

Core competencies include: optical system design, non-linear optics, electro-optic materials, spectroscopy of gases, liquids, solids (especially high-temperature reactive gases), laser-based sensing modalities, diode lasers, quantum cascade lasers, optical THz sources (both time-domain and cw), integrated laser-based sensors, high-speed aerodynamics, combustion, and industrial process monitoring.

Optical diagnostics and sensor development have been a key component of LSA programs for over a decade. Custom laser diagnostic and sensor suites have been delivered for research applications ranging from industrial furnaces to hypersonic test facilities. PSI has worked with researchers around the world to integrate and operate these systems, generating a prestigious record of published research. In recent years, our activities have focused on compact, autonomous laser sensor packages, based on tunable diode lasers, for concentration, temperature, velocity, and mass flux measurements. Over 100 systems have been developed for research and advanced development applications in academic, industrial, and government research laboratories in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Several airborne sensor packages have been developed and flown for both studies of the atmosphere and advanced aeropropulsion control. LSA technology supports mature applications in other areas of the company, such as Atmospheric Sciences, Industrial Sensors, Medical Technology, and Chemical Sciences.

In collaboration with industrial partners, PSI's diode laser sensor technology is being used on specialized furnaces for materials processing and metallurgical applications.

Current Research Thrusts Include:

• Project Name: Terascan: Standoff Sensor for Explosive Residue

- Sponsor: DARPA/STO

- Objective: To develop a THz Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) sensor for standoff detection of trace explosive films.


• Project Name: Unburned Hydrocarbon Sensor

- Sponsor: Nissan Motor Company

- Objective: To develop a fiber-coupled mid-IR laser sensor for fuel vapor, droplet size, and gas temperature measurements in IC engines.


• Project Name: Externally-Stabilized LWIR QCL

- Sponsor: DOE

- Objective: To develop an external cavity stabilized, broadly tunable quantum cascade laser in the 8 - 12 micron spectral region.


• Project name: Commercial Methods for Production of OP-GaAs

- Sponsor: AFOSR

- Objectives: To develop production methods for non-linear optical materials such as orientation-patterned GaAs.



Area Leadership

Dr. Mark Allen

The Area is lead by Dr. Mark Allen, who also serves as Vice President of PSI's Photonics Enterprise. Dr. Allen has 25 years of experience in developing custom laser-based sensor systems and has pioneered the application of laser-based sensors to aerodynamic, combustion, propulsion, environmental, process analytical, and national defense applications. Dr. Allen is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America.

Mark G. Allen Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810-1077 Telephone: (978) 689-0003 Fax: (978) 689-3232 allen@psicorp.com

 

 

Laser Sources and Applications Publications Laser Sources and Applications Presentations		Laser-Based Spectroscopic Sensors LIDAR Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy Quantum Cascade Laser Sensors Tunable Diode Laser Sensors Process Analytical Technology Sensors Photonics Enterprise Chemical Reactor and Environmental Simulation Facilities Diagnostic and Sensor Development Facilities Gas Turbine Combustor Facility In-House Optical Sensor Calibration Facilities Integrated-Optics Fabrication Facility Optical Systems Development Facilities Terahertz Spectroscopy Facility Wind Tunnel Facility