Laser UV Sources for Tactical Efficient Raman (LUSTER) | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

DARPA, through its Microsystems Technology Office, released the Laser UV Sources for Tactical Efficient Raman (LUSTER) opportunity (DARPA BAA 14-20) to fund research and development of next-generation ultraviolet laser sources designed specifically to improve Raman spectroscopy for field and tactical use. The core mission is to enable much better detection and discrimination of biological and chemical compounds by providing UV laser light in a band where Raman signatures can be stronger and more distinctive. In practical terms, the program is trying to remove a major bottleneck for UV Raman systems: the lack of compact, efficient, high-power, narrow-linewidth lasers in the deep-UV range.

Technically, LUSTER is centered on developing ultraviolet lasers operating between 220 nm and 240 nm that can deliver at least 1 watt of output power while also achieving 10 percent wall-plug efficiency (meaning 10 percent of the electrical input power is converted into usable laser output). In addition to power and efficiency, the solicitation emphasizes spectral quality, calling for a very narrow linewidth of 0.01 nm or less. Those specifications are demanding in combination, especially in the deep-UV, where materials, optical coatings, thermal handling, and nonlinear conversion approaches are all challenging. DARPA is open to multiple technical approaches, explicitly naming options like direct electrical injection, electron-beam pumping, second-harmonic generation, and other alternative concepts, as long as the final laser system meets or exceeds all required performance metrics. The underlying theme is that DARPA is less concerned with which architecture wins and more concerned that the resulting source is compact, efficient, and powerful enough to be useful outside a lab environment.

The announcement includes an Amendment 01, which was issued to incorporate clarifications and additional program details discussed during the Proposers Day event. This amendment adds (1) the estimated total funding available for the program, (2) the expected program duration, and (3) extra clarifying technical information in the Funding Opportunity Description section. The notice indicates that changes in the amended BAA document are highlighted in yellow, and proposers are expected to consult that amended version for the most accurate requirements and context.

From an administrative and contracting standpoint, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and allows multiple award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, other transactions/arrangements as applicable, and procurement contracts. The funding activity is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 12.910 (Research and Technology Development). There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning proposals may be submitted by a broad range of organizations (such as companies, universities, nonprofits, and potentially other entities), subject to any specific eligibility clarifications contained in the full text of the BAA.

Key dates provided in the synopsis establish the timeline for participation: the posting date was March 13, 2014, and a Proposers Day was held on March 18, 2014. An abstract was due April 11, 2014, with full proposals due June 25, 2014. The estimated period of performance start date was October 25, 2014. The opportunity was archived on December 31, 2014. While the listing shows award ceiling and floor as zero, that typically reflects that individual award sizes were not fixed in the summary fields and that proposers needed to refer to the BAA (and its amendment) for the program-level funding estimate and expected award structure.

In short, LUSTER sought ambitious deep-UV laser innovations that could make UV Raman spectroscopy far more practical for defense and field applications by delivering a compact 220-240 nm laser with high power, high electrical efficiency, and very narrow linewidth. The amendment primarily served to add funding and schedule expectations and to clarify technical points so that teams could align their proposed approaches and performance claims with DARPA's updated guidance.

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Previous opportunity: ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION, U.S. EMBASSY ISLAMABAD

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