Development of laser beam transmission strategies for future ground-to-space optical communications

Keith E. Wilson; Joseph Kovalik; Abhijit Biswas; William Roberts

doi:10.1117/12.720803

4 May 2007 Development of laser beam transmission strategies for future ground-to-space optical communications

Keith E. Wilson, Joseph Kovalik, Abhijit Biswas, William Roberts

Proceedings Volume 6551, Atmospheric Propagation IV; 65510B (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.720803
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Optical communications is a key technology to meet the bandwidth expansion required in the global information grid. High bandwidth bi-directional links between sub-orbital platforms and ground and space terminals can provide a seamless interconnectivity for rapid return of critical data to analysts. The JPL Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) is located in Wrightwood California at an altitude of 2.2.km. This 200 sq-m facility houses a state-of- the-art 1-m telescope and is used to develop operational strategies for ground-to-space laser beam propagation that include safe beam transmission through navigable air space, adaptive optics correction and multi-beam scintillation mitigation, and line of sight optical attenuation monitoring. JPL has received authorization from international satellite owners to transmit laser beams to more than twenty retro-reflecting satellites. This paper presents recent progress in the development of these operational strategies tested by narrow laser beam transmissions from the OCTL to retro-reflecting satellites. We present experimental results and compare our measurements with predicted performance for a variety of atmospheric conditions.

Citation Download Citation

Keith E. Wilson, Joseph Kovalik, Abhijit Biswas, and William Roberts "Development of laser beam transmission strategies for future ground-to-space optical communications", Proc. SPIE 6551, Atmospheric Propagation IV, 65510B (4 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.720803

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