Advanced Narrow-linewidth Tunable Laser for Rydberg Sensors (ANTLRS)

AOSense is developing an Advanced Narrow-linewidth Tunable Laser for Rydberg Sensors under NASA solicitation NASA-SBIR-185639. The project focuses on creating a high-power, near-infrared laser within a compact, semi-monolithic package designed to withstand the vibration conditions of suborbital flight. This technology aims to enable Rydberg excitation in rubidium to access resonant microwave transitions from the S band to the W band. The Phase I objectives include the design, construction, and performance testing of the laser, specifically evaluating its wavelength, tuning range, linewidth, and power, while planning for future vibration and sensitivity studies. This initiative provides significant benefits across multiple fields, including enhanced broadband capabilities for radar-based geosurveys, improved radio telescope sensitivity for sub-wavelength imaging, and secure electromagnetic impulse communications. Additionally, the technology supports THz detection, biomedical imaging, and electromagnetic compatibility testing. The contract is a total small business set-aside managed by the NASA SBIR/STTR Program, with performance based in Greenbelt, California.