Preliminary results of testing a space-grade laser transmitter for optical communications

Malcolm W. Wright; Alfonso B. Piccirilli; Andrew R. Grant

doi:10.1117/12.913635

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22 February 2012 Preliminary results of testing a space-grade laser transmitter for optical communications

Malcolm W. Wright, Alfonso B. Piccirilli, Andrew R. Grant

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Proceedings Volume 8246, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXIV; 82460L (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913635
Event: SPIE LASE, 2012, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Pulsed fiber based laser transmitters suitable for optical communications in both near Earth and deep space scenarios are being developed in partnership between JPL and industry. As a precursor to a full space qualification process, commercial components were integrated into a polarization maintaining 1550 nm master oscillator laser as part of a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser transmitter designed to support pulse position modulation and operation in the vacuum environment. This optically pre-amplified seed laser generated sub-ns pulses at up to 100 MHz with high extinction ratio over variable duty cycle. Test results in both ambient and under vacuum conditions will be reported for this system including a preliminary life-test with over 5000 hours under high vacuum at temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 °C.

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Malcolm W. Wright, Alfonso B. Piccirilli, and Andrew R. Grant "Preliminary results of testing a space-grade laser transmitter for optical communications", Proc. SPIE 8246, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXIV, 82460L (22 February 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913635

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