Monitoring greenhouse gases from space – by laser

28 Jan 2026

LZH and partners developing hybrid-lidar approach as part of EU project HALLOA.

Researchers at Laser Center Hannover (LZH) , Germany, are developing a laser system for monitoring greenhouse gases from space using a hybrid approach.

The development is part of the EU project HALLOA, the aim of which is to provide precise data to improve understanding of the climate, while also strengthening Europe’s technological independence.

Together with five partners from across Europe, LZH scientists are developing a lidar system for space-based measurements to monitor carbon dioxide. Such data on concentrations and distributions can help to improve understanding of human-induced climate change and track the impact of potential countermeasures.

The new laser is based on a hybrid architecture. It combines the advantages of fiber-optic systems, which are compact, versatile, and low-maintenance, with those of free-space designs, which offer high potential for power scaling.

To achieve this, the developers have worked with both fiber and solid-state amplifiers. The combined solution has lower complexity than conventional systems and will therefore significantly accelerate the development of the space lidar system, states LZH.

European independence in space

As part of the project, the partners are improving the design of a pulsed thulium fiber amplifier for the near-infrared range at a wavelength of 2.05 µm. The objective is to build a fiber amplifier prototype with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (“technology demonstration in relevant environment”) using exclusively European components – and within three years.

To optimize the entire laser system for operation under space conditions, the partners will first develop a potential concept for a future space mission. Building on this foundation, they will develop the requirements for the associated lidar system.

This will include the optomechanical design of the laser system, and specially adapted high-power laser diodes that emit at a wavelength of 790 nm, which are required for operating the fiber amplifiers. This is expected to culminate in the demonstration of a robust fiber amplifier built with European components. Finally, this is to be integrated into the hybrid laser system.

LZH is responsible for space qualification testing within the project. The team will subject individual components as well as the developed fiber amplifier to vibration and shock, thermal cycling, and radiation testing.

About HALLOA

Led by ONERA (France’s Office National d’Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales), six research institutes and companies from three European countries are collaborating within the Hybrid Amplifier Laser for Lidar OperAtions (HALLOA) project. These comprise: Laboratoire de Métérorologie Dynamique, LZH, Keopsys Industries, Lumibird Photonics Italia Srl, and Erdyn Consultants SAS. The project is funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation.