A New Laser Beam Pointing Method Using Laser Arrays

Goorjian, Peter M

关键词: BEAMS (RADIATION);    COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION;    LASER ARRAYS;    LASER BEAMS;    LASERS;    LOW EARTH ORBITS;    OPTICAL COMMUNICATION;    PHOTOMETERS;    SPACE COMMUNICATION;   

RP-ID  :  ARC-E-DAA-TN63799,NASA/TM-2018-58815

学科分类：原子、分子光学和等离子物理

美国|英语

来源: NASA Technical Reports Server

【 摘 要 】

A new method is described for optical data transmissions from satellites using laser arrays for laser beam pointing. It combines a lens system and a VCSEL/Photodetector Array, both mature technologies, in a novel way. This system is applied to satellites in LEO. It can replace current architectures which use dynamical systems, (i.e., moving parts) to point the laser, and which use vibration isolation platforms. Results of computer simulations show diffraction limited beam propagation. Possible additional applications are to planetary distances (deep space optical communications, DSOC) to optical multiple access, to communication between a constellation of close satellites, and to satellites that use modulating retro-reflectors.