Space-Qualified Transmitter System for Heterodyne Optical Communications.

摘要

A space-based optical communications system requires the development of high precision yet rugged electro-optical hardware. As part of a program to develop this technology, Lincoln Laboratory has designed and constructed a laser transmitter and a companion diagnostic module that have passed a rigorous space-qualification test program. The transmitter and diagnostics module are critical components of a satellite-to-satellite, 200 Mb/sec heterodyne communications experiment. The transmitter includes four redundant 30-mW diode lasers in a compact, lightweight package. The diagnostics module enables precise and autonomous setting of the transmitter laser power, wavelength, and modulation characteristics. The successful qualification of these components is a first, and a major milestone in the development of spaceborne optical communications systems. Keywords: Reprint. (rh)