Laser cross-link systems and technology

Author

Begley, David L.

Author_Institution

Ball Aerosp. & Technol. Corp., USA

Volume

38

Issue

8

fYear

2000

fDate

8/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

126

Lastpage

132

Abstract

Laser communications offer a viable alternative to RF communications for intersatellite links and other applications where high-performance links are a necessity. High data rate, small antenna size, narrow beam divergence, and a narrow field of view are characteristics of laser communications that offer a number of potential advantages for system design. This article presents an overview and tutorial of laser cross-link systems and technologies

Keywords

laser beam applications; optical communication equipment; optical links; satellite antennas; commercial satellite systems; component technology; geosynchronous orbit; high data rate; high-performance links; intersatellite links; laser communications; laser cross-link systems; laser cross-link technology; low Earth orbit; military satellite systems; narrow beam divergence; narrow field of view; secure communications; small antenna size; space communications; system design; system technology; tutorial; Apertures; Laser beams; Optical modulation; Optical receivers; Optical sensors; Optical signal processing; Radio frequency; Satellite broadcasting; Space technology; Telescopes;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Communications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0163-6804

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/35.860863

Filename

860863