Optical Communication Links for Aeronautical- and Space-Applications

摘要

Optical free-space communication links offer very high data-rates, while requiring less volume, weight and electrical power than their RF counterparts. The optical frequency band is not regulated, allowing the implementation of optical communication system without the need for licensing. Furthermore, optical communication links can hardly be eaves-dropped, as the beams are highly directive. This makes optical communication systems a good choice for applications that demand high data-throughputs, like aircraft-downlinks or satellite-to-ground-links. This paper gives an overview about DLR??s current research in optical free-space communication systems in aircraft- and satellite-downlink applications and gives an outlook to future satellite communication systems based on optical technology.