A -- Fiber Laser Based Synthetic Guide Star System

LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY SEEKSCOOPERATIVE R&D PARTNERS/LICENSEES TO PRODUCE A FIBER LASER BASED SYNTHETIC GUIDE STAR SYSTEM Announcement: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the University of California under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), desires to license the technology to build a fiber laser based synthetic Guide Star system. LLNL also seeks to engage in a cooperative research program with the Licensee to assist in the commercialization of the fiber laser based synthetic Guide Star system through projects at observatories. LLNL has developed technology for building a fiber laser based synthetic Guide Star system. A Laser Guide Star is a man-made, star-like light source that permits an optical system (telescope) to be adjusted to cancel out the adverse effects of viewing through an atmosphere. By detecting backscattered light from a laser beam fired into the atmosphere, computers and adaptive optics can compensate for the distorting effects of the atmosphere on astronomical images. The Guide Star Laser creates a synthetic star by using a yellow laser (589 nm) to excite sodium atoms, which are present in the mesosphere 90-100 km above the earth's surface. The successful generation of a synthetic Laser Guide Star requires precise control of the laser frequency and bandwidth to maximize the return signal from the sodium atoms. LLNL's present fiber laser system uses two fiber lasers operating at 938 nm and 1583 nm. The laser system uses very stable fiber oscillators followed by high average power double clad fiber amplifiers to generate the frequency-stable continuous wave output powers required for the sum-frequency-mixing process. The output from the two fiber lasers is mixed in a non-linear crystal to generate an output at 589 nm. The resulting systems are simple, robust, efficient and reliable, which makes them ideal for use in remote astronomical laboratories. LLNL has developed the technology associated with the 938 nm amplifier. The novel 938 nm optical fiber amplifier has the following features: - Scalable design capable of high power outputs; - Operates at room temperature; - Can amplify a narrow bandwidth without non-linear parasitic interference; - Suppresses or eliminates parasitic amplified spontaneous emission at 1088 nm; - Makes efficient use of pump power; and - Can be operated in continuous wave or pulsed temporal format. LLNL's fiber laser systems offer advantages over competing solid state laser designs. Bulk solid state lasers require careful optical design to manage the thermal and beam aberrations expected in this type of laser, and such systems will probably require the maintenance services of a laser expert. Fiber lasers are self contained, turnkey units that require minimal maintenance from a non-laser expert. LLNL is aware of several upcoming competitions for contracts to build synthetic Guide Star laser systems at different observatories around the world. The observatories will give preference to a provider who partners with a commercial vendor to provide additional future systems and long term maintenance assistance.. LLNL would like to work with a partner under a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) to further develop this technology, and to license its technology to build additional fiber-based Laser Guide Star systems in the future. LLNL plans to bid directly for the first contract. After the award of the contract, LLNL and the industrial partner would execute a CRADA. Under the CRADA, LLNL would develop the first system for delivery and transfer the technology for building the Guide Star laser system to the industrial partner. The industrial partner would build and maintain the future laser systems with the support of LLNL. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Guide Star Laser system should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1. Company Name and address. 2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. 3. A description of corporate expertise and facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Industrial Partnerships and Commercialization P.O. Box 808, L-795 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: FBO000057-03 Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Guide Star laser system.