Investigation of Free Space Optical Detection Module Operating at the Wavelength Range of 8-12 μm

Abstract

The paper presents the construction and test results of a long-term radiation detector module for free space optical communication operated at the wavelength range of 8-12 µm. In the module a Polish detector manufactured in the company Vigo System S.A. was applied. High sensitivity of the detection module was achieved through a multi-layered heterostructure HgCdTe with immersion lens, which is optimized for the radiation detection at the wavelength of 10 µm. Detector noises were reduced as a result of detector cooling by means of four-stage thermoelectric cooler. The developed detection module is dedicated to design a next-generation optical data link. The link will be characterized by a greater range in difficult weather conditions in relation to the currently offered links operating at the shorter wavelengths.

Experimental Study of the Free Space Optics Communication System Operating in the 8–12 µm Spectral Range

“…These links are also safe for eyesight [21]. The conducted analyses show that for the construction of an optical link in open space, characterized by lower attenuation in hazy conditions than currently existing ones, QC lasers and MCT photodiode operating in the spectral range of 8-12 µ m can be used [22][23][24].…”

“…Table 1 presents the most important parameters of this module, optimized for a wavelength of 10 µm. More detailed descriptions and experimental research on detection modules, shown in Figure 2, are presented in References [23,24]. In the transmitter module, a cascade laser from Alpes Lasers was used [34].…”

Investigations of Quantum Cascade Lasers for Free Space Optics Operating at the Wavelength Range of 8-12 μm

“…The research of laser pulse shape was carried out using the QC laser driver system, detection module produced by Vigo S.A PVI series [19][20][21][22][23] and oscilloscope Tektronix series 4000. In Fig.…”