Ultra-low loss laser communications technique using smart beamforming optics

    Authors

    N. A. Riza;S. A. Khan

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Opt. Commun.

    Keywords

    wireless; laser communications; freespace optics; Gaussian beam; propagation; liquid crystals; variable focus lens; low loss; IN-ORBIT TEST; LENS; LINK; ARTEMIS; Optics

    Abstract

    Theory and design is presented for a technique for ultra-low loss laser communication that uses a combination of strong and weak thin lens optics, hence obeying the paraxial approximation. As opposed to conventional laser communication systems, the Gaussian laser beam is prevented from diverging at the receiving station by using a weak thin lens that places the transmitted beam waist mid-way between a symmetrical transmitter-receiver link design. The weak lens can be a fixed optic for static link distances or programmable for mobile scenarios. The programmable weak optic can be a single pixel or multi-pixel lens made by liquid crystal or mirror technologies. The proposed link design is appropriate for low air turbulence links such as short-range or indoor links and space based links. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Optics Communications

    Volume

    257

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    225

    Last Page

    246

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000233960000002

    ISSN

    0030-4018

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