Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) are critical aspects of both uplink and downlink Free Space Optical (FSO) communications systems, ensuring precise targeting of the optical signal from the transmitter to the receiver. PAT systems provide steering and tracking capabilities in order to establish and maintain an optical link, compensating for the relative satellite motion, atmospheric turbulence, vibration and jitter.
A novel method for achieving closed loop control between the steering mirrors of a dual channel free space optical communications terminal is presented. By modifying an off-the-shelf open loop stick-slip actuator, the control system achieves a pointing resolution of 0.002° with under a 15% increase in mass, resulting in a light weight solution suitable for small satellites.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
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.