Miniature lasercomm module for integration into a small unmanned aerial platform

M. J. Vilcheck; H. R. Burris; C. I. Moore; W. R. Smith IV; L. M. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.921165

5 May 2012 Miniature lasercomm module for integration into a small unmanned aerial platform

M. J. Vilcheck, H. R. Burris, C. I. Moore, W. R. Smith IV, L. M. Thomas

Proceedings Volume 8380, Atmospheric Propagation IX; 838003 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.921165
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing a small lasercomm terminal for both direct lasercomm and communication to a modulated retroreflector (MRR). A gimbal from Cloud Cap Technology serves as the terminal positioner, which is to be integrated onto a small, unmanned airborne vehicle. A lasercomm module must be developed that meets size, weight, power, and optical performance requirements. The final module incorporates the shared optics, the tracking optic and detector, and the lasercomm receiver optics and detector. This module was designed, fabricated, assembled, and integrated into the Cloud Cap T2 gimbal. After integration, the tracking signals were measured in the lab to establish the field of view and response to pointing errors.

Citation Download Citation

M. J. Vilcheck, H. R. Burris, C. I. Moore, W. R. Smith IV, and L. M. Thomas "Miniature lasercomm module for integration into a small unmanned aerial platform", Proc. SPIE 8380, Atmospheric Propagation IX, 838003 (5 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.921165

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available