Practical considerations of retroreflector choice in modulating retroreflector systems

Author

Goetz, Peter G. ; Rabinovich, W.S. ; Mahon, Rita ; Swingen, Lee ; Gilbreath, G.C. ; Murphy, James L. ; Burris, H.R. ; Stell, Mena F.

Author_Institution

Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA

fYear

2005

fDate

25-27 July 2005

Firstpage

49

Lastpage

50

Abstract

Optical modulating retroreflectors (MRRs) were demonstrated before the invention of the laser, but were restricted to short distances and low data rates. Recent advances in optoelectronic devices and free space optics have greatly increased the capabilities of MRR systems. Several modulator technologies have been used in MRR systems and compared elsewhere. In this discussion, practical considerations of the two types of bulk optic retroreflectors used in km-range MRRs were compared: corner cube retroreflectors and cat´s eye retroreflectors. Examples of MRR systems using each type are given.

Keywords

light reflection; optical communication equipment; optical modulation; optoelectronic devices; bulk optic retroreflectors; cats eye retroreflectors; corner cube retroreflectors; free space optics; optical modulating retroreflector systems; optoelectronic devices; Instruments; Laser beams; Mirrors; Optical devices; Optical fiber communication; Optical modulation; Optical refraction; Space technology; US Department of Transportation; Unmanned aerial vehicles;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

LEOS Summer Topical Meetings, 2005 Digest of the

ISSN

1099-4742

Print_ISBN

0-7803-8981-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/LEOSST.2005.1527987

Filename

1527987