Title :
Direct-detection free-space optical communications link using 1 mu m wavelength laser diode transmitter
Author :
Baker, Kenneth R. ; Yu, Anthony W. ; Krainak, Michael A.
Author_Institution :
Bradley Dept. of Electr. Eng., Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, VA, USA
Abstract :
The performance of a 1.047 mu m wavelength semiconductor laser diode in a 50 Mbps free-space communications experiment is reported. This laser diode at 1.047 mu m makes it possible to construct high-power master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) transmitters for space communications. The MOPA system would consist of the diode and a Nd-doped crystal amplifier. A 200 photon/bit sensitivity at a bit error rate of 10/sup -6/ is demonstrated and the performance parameters are characterized pertinent to the construction of a MOPA laser. This is believed to be the highest direct direction sensitivity at this wavelength reported to date.<>
Keywords :
optical communication equipment; optical links; remote sensing by laser beam; satellite links; semiconductor lasers; sensitivity; 1.047 micron; IR; MOPA laser; Nd-doped crystal amplifier; bit error rate; direct direction sensitivity; free-space optical communications link; high-power master oscillator power amplifier; intersatellite communications; laser diode transmitter; remote sensing; semiconductor laser; solid lasers; space communications; Bit error rate; Diode lasers; High power amplifiers; Optical amplifiers; Optical fiber communication; Optical transmitters; Oscillators; Photonic crystals; Semiconductor diodes; Semiconductor optical amplifiers;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
