Optimal Design of Small-Aperture Optical Terminals for Free-Space Links

TeraNet Papers
Written By Aliesha Aden

A.M. Frost, B.P. Dix-Matthews, S.M. Walsh, and S.W. Schediwy. Optimal design of small aperture optical terminals for free-space links. Photonics 11 (2024) 1035

Abstract

We present the generalised design of low-complexity, small-aperture optical terminals intended for kilometre-scale, terrestrial, free-space laser links between fixed and dynamic targets. The design features single-mode fibre coupling of the free-space beam, assisted by a fast-steering, tip/tilt mirror that enables first-order turbulence suppression and fine target tracking. The total power throughput over the free-space link and the scintillation index in fibre are optimised. The optimal tip/tilt correction bandwidth and range, aperture size, and focal length for a given link are derived using analytical atmospheric turbulence modelling and numerical simulations.

Aliesha Aden
Previous

Communications demonstrations for optical ground stations
Next

Demonstration of a Low-SWaP Terminal for Ground-to-Air Single-Mode Fiber Coupled Laser Links