Diffraction-Limited Tracking For Space Communication

J. A. Breisacher

doi:10.1117/12.976564

2 May 1988 Diffraction-Limited Tracking For Space Communication

J. A. Breisacher

Proceedings Volume 0885, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976564
Event: 1988 Los Angeles Symposium: O-E/LASE '88, 1988, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Free-space laser communications requires extremely accurate tracking to keep the transmitter and receiver well aligned in order to prevent data errors. This paper describes a demonstration of diffraction limited tracking for free-space laser communications. Diffraction limited tracking requires the laser beam be held to its undisturbed location to within a fraction of the angular resolution of the system. The demonstration consists of a transmitter, receiver, and far-field simulator. The far-field simulator is used to simulate the laser beam traversing a large distance in space and to introduce a disturbance representative of the spacecraft base motion effects. TRW has developed a biaxial mirror articulator for tracking out this disturbance. This fine and medium track mechanism (F/MTM) consists of a flexurally-suspended gimbal assembly, four voice coils, a caging mechanism, on-board signal conditioning circuit, and outboard electronics. A fine track detector (FTD) consisting of a quadrant photodetector and fine track processing electronics (FTPE) provides feedback to the F/MTM. This paper discusses the major components of the demonstration in detail. In addition, data on the performance of the tracking system is presented and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

J. A. Breisacher "Diffraction-Limited Tracking For Space Communication", Proc. SPIE 0885, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies, (2 May 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976564

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