Laser Diode Reliability: BOK Task 04-032

1. Laser Diode Reliability: BOKTask 04-032 Description: Benefits: Laser diodes are key components of Lidar and communication systems. They are used as the power source for communication transceivers and are used to pump high power lasers and fiber lasers for science data instrumentation. Failure of these components results in failure of the instrument or system. Laser diode components are commercial off the shelf products at this time. Although some reliability issues are understood at the wafer level, the lack of knowledge related to the the issues of packaging are still causing failures on space flight instrumentation. Recently, ICESAT experienced failures due to this lack of sufficient knowledge. This task will focus of providing guidance and information related to the reliability of laser diodes to avoid future failures and ease usage of these components into space flight systems. This task will provide the necessary guidance to usage and reliability of laser diodes such that systems depending on these components will function adequately throughout the life of the mission. There is an extreme lack of sufficient information on this subject with a major emphasis on the lack of knowledge related to the higher power devices in which the failure modes are more pronounced. Recently it has become apparent that this area of photonics must be investigated to avoid further failures such as ICESAT. Deliverables: Reports will be provided on the NEPP website on the usage, implementation, testing, and failure modes of laser diodes with emphasis on packaging and COTS devices. Schedule/Costs: Risks: Total ROM Cost (non-CS) = $30K Investigation of Issues ICESAT, MOLA, Calipso Data collection Drafting guidelines and reliability report Red, Yellow, or Green CS FTEs = ? Non-NASA Organizations/Procurements: none Lead Center/PI: Is: GSFC/Ott Center Funding: 30K (NEPAG will provide additional support to this task) Tactical # 13 , Slide A