Demonstration of a mobile tracking system for laser communications

Successful pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) are crucial for the implementation of laser communication links between ground and aerial vehicles. In this paper, a tracking system providing optical connectivity between stationary and mobile ground platforms is described. The centerpiece of the system is a robotic manipulator capable of singularity-free operation throughout the full hemisphere range of yaw/pitch motion. Its main function is to perform optical platform stabilization and initial beam positioning, and it is utilized in conjunction with the optical tracking devices to maintain the line-of-sight communication. First, we describe particular system components and challenges of their integration. Then, the results of field testing of the PAT demonstrator under practical conditions are presented.