There are a number of parametric challenges in designing transmit optical amplifiers for the current deployment of optical communication constellations. Constellations are often aligned to channel wavelengths defined by the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 Optical Communications Terminal Standard, which requires duplex operation at 1536.61 and 1553.33nm. We present an experimental characterisation supported by numerical modelling, of duplex operation up to 10W at both channel wavelengths and discuss performance limits. The characterisation includes power, out-of-channel amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) content and in-channel ASE content / noise figure determined from time-domain extinction measurements. For an output power of 10W, stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) can readily limit the delivery of optical power over relatively short fiber lengths. We also present the growth of a Stokes wave as a function of output power, delivery fiber length and fiber type experimentally. These results showing good agreement with theory, and set design limits on peak power transmission. These peak power considerations being of particular interest for pulse position modulation (PPM) encoding which are required in both the SDA and Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) 142.0-B-1 standards. The CCSDS and SDA standards both require a sinusoid amplitude modulated tracking tone. We present the limits of the design space of achievable modulation depth, as function of amplifier design, modulation condition and operating wavelength & power. A good agreement between experimental and numerical results is found.
The next generation high bandwidth optical links from earth to space will requirement the development of new high power WDM sources. In this paper G&H present the latest results of their ongoing development of these sources. Namely the development and testing of a 50W optical fibre amplifier that operables across much of C-band is presented as well as a high power wavelength division multiplexer, designed to combine multiple high power amplifiers outputs into a diffraction limited beam.
We present recent progress in developing miniaturized optical transmitters and receiver amplifiers for space communications. Three C-band high-speed optical transmitter designs are presented: a bespoke 300 mW version as part of TNO’s “SmallCat” terminal to fly on-board NordSat and two variants that provide 300 mW and 3 W of optical power complying to standard cubesat form factors. In addition to these transmitters, an ultra-small form factor, high gain, low noise amplifier, for boosting received signals is presented.
We present recent progress in developing miniaturized optical transmitters and receiver amplifiers for space communications. Three C-band high-speed optical transmitter designs are presented: a bespoke 300 mW version as part of TNO’s “SmallCat” terminal to fly on-board NordSat and two variants that provide 300 mW and 3 W of optical power complying to standard cubesat form factors. In addition to these transmitters, an ultra-small form factor, high gain, low noise amplifier, for boosting received signals is presented.
This paper reports on the design and manufacture of C-band multi-Watt optical fibre amplifiers for satellite laser communications. Three module types have been developed and are presented, outputting optical power of 1W, 3W and 5W respectively. A modular design was adopted for the amplifier so that it can be scaled to different power levels and achieve cost-effectiveness and mass manufacturing, thus enabling application in satellite constellations. Radiation testing demonstrates the robust performance against ionizing radiation levels found in LEO and GEO orbits. All degradations are within system requirements and are recoverable in operation by changing the operational parameters, whilst still complying with end of life power consumption and component de-rating specifications. The amplifiers are able to deliver >1W, >3W and >5W output power at 1550 nm for 100 krad TID based on the measurements performed. An environmental test campaign has demonstrated the robustness of the 5W module against sine and random vibration. Additionally, thermal cycling in vacuum has been performed on an optical breadboard, demonstrating a stable optical output, verifying the robustness of the optical design. G and H unit design and AIT space processes are capable of delivering robust and qualified fibre optic units for deployment in satellite laser communication missions.
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