Redfern Integrated Optics Inc. (RIO) was awarded a Phase 2 SBIR contract from NASA to further develop its single-frequency narrow-linewidth semiconductor laser technology in the 1064-nm spectral region for space lidar, it announced. RIO’s proprietary external-cavity semiconductor laser is packaged in a standard 14-pin compact butterfly package and produces a single-frequency output with a linewidth less than 2 kHz, ultralow phase and relative intensity noise, and high immunity to vibrations, all under a wide range of operating temperatures. “Our partnership with NASA in the development of superior laser sources for the next generation space lidar instruments has reached a new stage with this award which will enable RIO to expand its narrow-linewidth laser product line to 1064 nm,” said Dr. Radu Barsan, chairman, president and CEO of RIO. For more information, visit: www.rio-inc.com