Spaceborne fiber coupled diode laser pump modules for intersatellite communications

Martin Traub; Heinz-Dieter Plum; Hans-Dieter Hoffmann; Thomas Schwander

doi:10.1117/12.738005

5 October 2007 Spaceborne fiber coupled diode laser pump modules for intersatellite communications

Martin Traub, Heinz-Dieter Plum, Hans-Dieter Hoffmann, Thomas Schwander

Proceedings Volume 6736, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks IV; 673618 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.738005
Event: Optics/Photonics in Security and Defence, 2007, Florence, Italy

Abstract

Compared to traditional microwave systems for intersatellite communication, optical intersatellite links offer numerous advantages for example lower weight and power consumption as well as higher bit rates. In addition, the smaller diameter of the laser beam allows a higher data security. The coherent optical terminal developed by TESAT Spacecom offers a bandwidth of 5.5 Gbps with a range of 10,000 km and a bit error ratio below 1e-9. In 2007, the coherent optical terminal will be verified in orbit. The transmitter consists of a ring oscillator and an optical amplifier. For both components, a high reliable diode laser pump module is essential to meet the demanded lifetime requirements of 10 years with a reliability of 0.9998. Built-in cold and hot redundancy as well as a truly hermetically sealed housing increase the reliability of the pump module. To prove its suitability for space applications, the module has been successfully qualified in terms of radiation, vibration, mechanical shock and thermal cycling. The laser radiation of two diode laser bars consisting of six emitters is coupled in a 100 µm NA=0.22 fiber. The coupling efficiency as well as the mounting accuracy of the optical components have been analyzed by raytracing. To predict the effect of different heat sink materials and to calculate the temperature drop over the module, a 3D finite element analysis has been performed. The rated optical output power of the module described in this paper amounts to 10 W, and it measures 50 mm x 50 mm x 20 mm.

Citation Download Citation

Martin Traub, Heinz-Dieter Plum, Hans-Dieter Hoffmann, and Thomas Schwander "Spaceborne fiber coupled diode laser pump modules for intersatellite communications", Proc. SPIE 6736, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks IV, 673618 (5 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.738005

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