Diode-Laser Transmitter Development for Space-Based Heterodyne Communication

Abstract

An optical transmitter, based on four redundant 30-mW GaA1As diode lasers operating at 0.86 micron, is being developed for an experiment in space- based heterodyne communication. Key optical, mechanical, and electrical components of the transmitter have been fabricated and tested in prototype form. A module which includes the laser, collimator, and electronics has been assembled which yields a wavefront quality of better than labda/30 over a 24 C temperature range. The laser and its four-element collimator have been shaken independently at 49 g (rms) without degradation in performance. The transmitter will weigh less than 2.3 kg and consume less than 4.2 W during normal operation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 1989
Accession Number
ADA208212

Entities

People

  • A. D. Pillsbury
  • D. Welford
  • J. A. Taylor
  • M. F. Richardson

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Collimators
  • Communication Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Electronics
  • Frequency
  • Impedance
  • Laser Diodes
  • Lasers
  • Massachusetts
  • Mirrors
  • Modulation
  • Optical Communications
  • Procurement
  • Space Based
  • Transmitters
  • Wavefronts

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites