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When researchers at Goddard developed its micro pulse lidar (MPL) instrument, the technology made lidar practical for routine monitoring of atmospheric particles, such as dust, pollution, and clouds. Unlike previous lidar systems, MPL is eye-safe, small, simple, reliable, long-range and operates unattended. The technology is significantly enhancing atmospheric research, particularly through the MPL Network.*

In 2005, Sigma Space Corp.* became the second company to make the MPL instrument commercially available. Selected for its well-established record for high-quality engineering and products for space-flight and other research applications, Sigma offers an MPL that includes NASA’s latest design and advances to improve performance and reliability of instruments.

Environmental companies and researchers can purchase their own MPL with standard specifications or have the device modified for their particular use. Sigma’s MPL systems are in use in many lidar stations within the U.S. and worldwide, such as in Taiwan and Antarctica.

This recent technology transfer success was recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, which bestowed MPL and the MPL Network with its Excellence in Technology Transfer Award in September 2005.

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