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High Power Electro-Optic Modulator for Space-Based Applications

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNG06LA14C
Agency Tracking Number: 054107
Amount: $69,745.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S4.06
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-01-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-07-24
Small Business Information
2311 S. 7th Ave., Building #1
Bozeman, MT 59715-6500
United States
DUNS: 062674630
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Christopher Palassis
 Principal Investigator
 (406) 522-0388
 palassis@advr-inc.com
Business Contact
 Philip Battle
Title: Business Official
Phone: (406) 522-0388
Email: battle@advr-inc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I effort will establish the feasibility of developing a fiber coupled, high power, electro-optically controlled, space qualified, phase modulator for the NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Specific to the LISA project is the use of three spacecraft, spanned by vast distances, to make gravitational wave measurements. A central aspect in maintaining system performance is inter-spacecraft communications which require the use of frequency modulated, high power 1.06 mm light. AdvR's proposed approach offers phase modulation of a high power continuous wave 1.06mm laser signal with modulation capability of 1.9 to 2.1 GHz and 10% modulation depth. The key innovation is the use of a waveguide embedded in a non-linear optical material suitable for high optical power handling combined with patented micro-electrode technology for high speed modulation. To operate properly in space, the phase modulators used for LISA must be rugged to survive the journey to space and must perform optimally in a radiation environment. To achieve this goal, the proposed phase modulator development will include a fiber-in-fiber-out design that meets the space qualification requirements for mechanical stability of the package and radiation damage resistance of the non-linear optical material.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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