Canonical deep space optical communications transceiver

Ortiz, G.G.; Farr, William H.; Charles, Jeffrey R.; Roberts, W. T.; Sannibale, V.; Gin, J.; Saharaspude, Adit; Garkanian, V.

doi:10.1117/12.812410

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…[5] proposes to implement sub-band gap tracking of a normally invisible transmit laser on the focal plane array. Besides detection of the uplink beacon wavelength, it is necessary to track the outgoing angle of the downlink laser beam as an in-flight calibration mechanism for the laser's pointing direction towards Earth.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of photon-counting detector responsivity for nonlinear two-photon absorption process

Sburlan

Farr

2011

SPIE Proceedings

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Sub-band absorption at 1550 nm has been demonstrated and characterized on silicon Geiger mode detectors, which normally would be expected to have no response at this wavelength. We compare responsivity measurements to singlephoton absorption for wavelengths slightly above the band gap wavelength of silicon (~1100 m). One application for this low efficiency sub-band absorption is in deep space optical communication systems where it is desirable to track a 1030 nm uplink beacon on the same flight terminal detector array that monitors a 1550 nm downlink signal for pointing control. The currently observed absorption at 1550 nm provides 60-70 dB of isolation compared to the response at 1064 nm, which is desirable to avoid saturation of the detector by scattered light from the downlink laser.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of photon-counting detector responsivity for nonlinear two-photon absorption process

Sburlan

Farr

2011

SPIE Proceedings

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“…The pointing accuracy ultimately determines the maximum data rate possible over such a link. For DOT, it has led to a design that requires the development of a low frequency vibration isolation system to filter vibrations from the spacecraft to the payload during flight, as well as a closed loop tracking system with continuous monitoring and correction of the laser's pointing angle towards Earth on the flight terminal focal point array 3 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deep space uplink receiver prototype for optical communications

2011

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“…A brassboard model, to be completed this year, has an innovative low-complexity design, 6 a robust high-peak-power fiber laser, compact optics, and a novel vibration-isolation system. Once completed, the spacecraft terminal can be tested in a bidirectional link with the existing (or an upgraded) high-efficiency ground receiver.…”

Section: Continued On Next Pagementioning

confidence: 99%

Tests of optical communications for deep space show promise

Birnbaum¹

2009

SPIE Newsroom

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A free-space optical beam can reliably transfer more than one bit of data per photon received, even in the presence of background light.Communication is vital for any spacecraft. After all, an instrument is of little use if it cannot return data. Space communications is currently dominated by radio-frequency (RF) links. Optical communication, however, promises higher data rates while adding less mass and volume to the spacecraft and consuming less power. Optical links have two main advantages over radio communications. First, the beam's shorter wavelength means less diffraction, so it spreads less as it travels through space and can be more tightly directed towards the receiver. Second, the optical system's available modulation bandwidth is much larger than that of an RF system, especially when considering the regulatory restrictions on RF allocation.While spacecraft optical-communications systems have been demonstrated in Earth orbit, 1-3 links to deep space at interplanetary distances have yet to be deployed. The improved optical-link performance is highly beneficial for these massand power-constrained spacecraft, yet the extreme distances involved pose a new set of challenges. For example, a link from Mars orbit to Earth would operate at up to 10,000 times longer range than one from geosynchronous orbit to the ground, corresponding to an additional loss of 80dB. Deep-space optical communications therefore require new paradigms and innovative technologies. 4 To reduce mission risk prior to flight operations, we have used elements of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's deep-space optical-communications technology for a series of demonstrations aimed at validating subsystem models and operations. They evolved from initial in-fiber laboratory validations to current day-and-night operational free-space links that functionally validate transmitter and receiver systems in real time at data rates of over 44Mbps with efficiencies of approximately two bits per detected photon. 5 We have also found that testing with pseudo-random data is not always sufficient to validate robust system operations, e.g., temporal acquisition and tracking issues may be masked by repetitive data sequences. Thus, we included a channel for live transmission of high-definition television at a compressed nominal data rate of 30Mbps.The testbed implements a building-top to building 100m-range link with the receiver placed indoors behind a window (see Figure 1). A custom telescope, used to test prototype low-cost, large-aperture optics, collects a small part of a wide Continued on next page

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Canonical deep space optical communications transceiver

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Characterization of photon-counting detector responsivity for nonlinear two-photon absorption process

Characterization of photon-counting detector responsivity for nonlinear two-photon absorption process

Deep space uplink receiver prototype for optical communications

Tests of optical communications for deep space show promise

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