Fiber-Detector Subsystem Loss Comparison for A Ground-Based Photon-Counting Optical Receiver

Brian E Vyhnalek; Sarah A Tedder

NASA NTRS · 20230001294

Fiber-Detector Subsystem Loss Comparison for A Ground-Based Photon-Counting Optical Receiver

Abstract

In this paper we present a comparative study of the losses associated with fiber-coupled single-photon detectors in two different configurations, each with the goal of receiving a pulsed-position modulated signal with a maximum data rate of 267 Mbps. First, we consider a 7x1 few-mode-fiber (FMF) photonic lantern coupled to seven individual superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs). In the second configuration we assess a single FMF coupled to a 16-channel monolithic SNSPD array. In each case we measure and compare combined fiber coupling, SNSPD blocking, and system efficiency losses under emulated atmospheric turbulence conditions. We address subsystem impact on link performance and analyze feasibility for future NASA lunar and deep-space optical communications missions.

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Fiber optics Few-mode fiber Superconducting nanowire Single-photon detector Atmospheric turbulence Optical communications

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BibTeX RIS

Brian E Vyhnalek, Sarah A Tedder. Fiber-Detector Subsystem Loss Comparison for A Ground-Based Photon-Counting Optical Receiver. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230001294

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Fiber-Detector Subsystem Loss Comparison for A Ground-Based Photon-Counting Optical Receiver

A comparative study of the losses associated with fiber-coupled single-photon detectors in two different configurations, each with the goal of receiving a pulsed-position modulated signal with a maximum data rate of 267 Mbps. First, we consider a 7x1 few-mode-fiber (FMF) photonic lantern coupled to seven individual superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs). In the second configuration we assess a single FMF coupled to a 16-channel monolithic SNSPD array. In each case we measure and compare combined fiber coupling, SNSPD blocking, and system efficiency losses under emulated atmospheric turbulence conditions. We address subsystem impact on link performance and analyze feasibility for future NASA lunar and deep-space optical communications missions.

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