A New Laser Beam Pointing Method Using Laser Arrays

Goorjian, P M

关键词: BEAMS (RADIATION);    DATA TRANSMISSION;    DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS;    ELECTRO-OPTICS;    LASER ARRAYS;    LOW EARTH ORBITS;    OPTICAL COMMUNICATION;    PASSIVE SATELLITES;    SURFACE EMITTING LASERS;    COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION;    DEEP SPACE;    DIFFRACTION PROPAGATION;    FREE-SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION;    PHOTOMETERS;    REFLECTORS;    VIBRATION ISOLATORS;    WIDE ANGLE LENSES;   

RP-ID  :  ARC-E-DAA-TN64157

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 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)/Photodetector Array, both mature technologies, in a novel way. This system is applied to satellites in low-Earth orbit, (LEO). It can replace current architectures which use dynamical systems, (i.e., moving parts) to point the laser, and which may 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, (OMA), to communication between a constellation of close satellites, and to satellites that use modulating retro-reflectors. Keywords: laser beam pointing, free-space optical communication, low-Earth orbit (LEO) data communications, integrated VCSEL/ photodetector arrays, deep space optical communications (DSOC), optical multiple access (OMA), constellation of close satellites, modulating retro-reflectors.