NASA lasers probe planets

NASA is engaged in monitoring the health of planet Earth and exploring the other planets. For the former, global measurements of critical Earth parameters including ice sheet thickness, greenhouse gases, oxygen, wind velocity, and aerosols, are required. Highly specialized lasers, sometimes at new laser wavelengths, are needed to measure these variables. There are three approaches for this laser development being pursued by NASA. First, rather than seeking new lasers employing an empirical approach, a quantum mechanical model is used to predict better new lasers. Second, where lasers exist but the wavelength is not quite right, a technique referred to as compositional tuning was developed. Third, innovative laser designs are devised to produce laser sources at the requisite wavelengths. NASA is engaged in monitoring the health of planet Earth and exploring the other planets. For the former, global measurements of critical Earth parameters including ice sheet thickness, greenhouse gases, oxygen, wind velocity, and aerosols, are required. Highly specialized lasers, sometimes at new laser wavelengths, are needed to measure these variables. This article describes NASA's engagement in laser development for these purposes.