Laser Technologies for Deep Space Optical Communications
Introduction to free space optical communications.
Laser communications↗
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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Requirements Study for System Implementation of an Atmospheric Laser Propagation Experiment Program, Volume II
Program planning, ground support and airborne equipment for laser space communication system
LASER↗
Optical communications elements - Simulated atmosphere
Statistical models used in computer program to simulate atmosphere effect on laser receiver
LASER COMMUNICATION↗
Giant aperture telescope study
Large aperture telescope for use as coherent optical deep space communications receiver
RECEIVER↗
Free space optical communications at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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laser communications↗
N-type mercury-cadmium-telluride photoconductors in optical heterodyne communication systems.
Discussion of the performance of a photoconductive (Hg,Cd)Te detector/mixer in a carbon dioxide laser heterodyne communication system. The utility of computer simulation of the performance of an optical heterodyne detector/mixer is demonstrated. Certain unusual properties of this device are pointed out that, while having a substantial impact on device performance, have received little previous attention.
Cohen, S. C.↗
The application of semiconductor optical radiators to space communication.
Characteristics and potentialities of incoherent and lasing optical semiconductor radiators for space communication
SEMICONDUCTOR LASER↗
Laser Links for Instrumentation Systems
Laser Links eliminate costly cables connecting sensors to data-collection centers. Data-transmission scheme uses laser-based communication systems instead of cables. Sensor data transmitted by semiconductor-diode lasers effective over line-of-sight distances of up to several hundred meters. Use of lasers instead of cables simplifies number of installations.
Bailey, P. S.↗
Negative Avalanche Feedback Detectors for Photon-Counting Optical Communications
Negative Avalanche Feedback photon counting detectors with near-infrared spectral sensitivity offer an alternative to conventional Geiger mode avalanche photodiode or phototube detectors for free space communications links at 1 and 1.55 microns. These devices demonstrate linear mode photon counting without requiring any external reset circuitry and may even be operated at room temperature. We have now characterized the detection efficiency, dark count rate, after-pulsing, and single photon jitter for three variants of this new detector class, as well as operated these uniquely simple to use devices in actual photon starved free space optical communications links.
single photon detector↗
Optical Technology Program
Research review of optical tracking, guidance, and communication studies at MSFC
OPTICAL TRACKING↗
Laser diode combining for free space optical communication
The maximization of photon delivery to a distant collector in free space optical communications systems calls for a laser diode-combining technique employing wavelength and/or polarization as the bases of its operation. Design considerations for such a combiner encompass high throughput efficiency, diffraction-limited angular divergence, and reasonable volume constraints. Combiners are presently found to require a generalized Strehl ratio concept which includes relative source misalignment; diffraction grating combiners may have a limited number of laser sources which can meet spectral requirements. Methods for the incorporation of a combiner into a communication system are compared. Power combining is concluded to be the best tradeoff of performance and complexity for all systems, except those that are severely limited by either background radiation or component bandwidth.
Mecherle, G. Stephen↗
Vibration platform testbed for deep space acqusition, tracking and pointing
A model for the Precise Acquisition, Tracking and Pointing (ATP) system will be discussed and experimental performance data will be presented.
optical communications acquisition tracking and po↗
Optical superheterodyne receiver.
Optical communication experiments to compare coherent and noncoherent optical detection fading characteristics in different weather conditions, using laser transmitter and optical superheterodyne receiver
WAVE DETECTION↗
Design of a 2.5 Gbps Optical Transmitter for the International Space Station
A high data rate laser transmitter assembly (LTA) has been designed as the source for an optical free-space communication link between the International Space Station and the 1-meter Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) to be built at the Table Mountain Facility (TMF, Wrightwood, CA).
Optical↗
Advanced communications, tracking, robotic vision technology for space applications
Recent advancements in the areas of tracking, communications, and robotics vision sensors being pursued within NASA, as applicable to space programs, are presented. Optical and laser-based communications and tracking systems and applications to space programs are discussed. Communication systems for multiple access, broadband, high data rate, and efficient operations are given. Current efforts at 20/30 GHz and millimeter wave bands are summarized. The use of optical data processing in control system applications for rendezvous and docking is presented. Robotics vision, based on television, laser, and microwave sensors for space applications, is discussed. The fusion of these technologies for remote control, station keeping, tracking, inspection, and satellite repair is detailed.
Krishen, Kumar↗
Nd:YAG end pumped by semiconductor laser arrays for free space optical communications
Preliminary experimental results are reported for a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser employing a tightly focused end-pump geometry. The resonator configuration is planoconcave, with the pumped end of the Nd:YAG rod being coated for high reflection at 1.06 microns. This geometry rectifies nearly all the inefficiencies plaguing side-pumped schemes. This laser is further considered as a candidate for optical communication over the deep space channel.
Sipes, D. L., Jr.↗