Acousto-Optic Beam Steering Study

Abstract

This is the final report for a 21 month study investigating the use of acoustic-optic beam steering for inter-satellite laser communications (lasercom). The basic technique is demonstrated in a breadboard that uses a customized 2-dimensional acoustic-optic Bragg cell deflector and a magnifying optical system comprised entirely of off-the-shelf components. The breadboard was designed to steer a laser over a range of 360 x 36 degrees. Important characteristics of the acoustic-optic Bragg deflector include high angular resolution, fast switching speed, high electrical and optical efficiency, and high reliability with no moving parts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADB191869

Entities

People

  • A. F. Abbenante
  • H. W. Presley
  • L. M. Burberry

Organizations

  • Harris Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acousto-Optic Equipment
  • Basic Programming Language
  • Beam Steering
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Crystal Structure
  • Frequency Bands
  • Geometry
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Radar
  • Lasers
  • Modulators
  • Optics
  • Refractive Index
  • Two Dimensional
  • Waveplates

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers