Simultaneous tracking and low-data-rate communications with high-speed array detectors for optical communications network management

David L. Clark; Michael A. Cosgrove; Ralph C. Short; Mike Thielk; Randy C. Van Vranken; Timothy D. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.18227

1 July 1990 Simultaneous tracking and low-data-rate communications with high-speed array detectors for optical communications network management

David L. Clark, Michael A. Cosgrove, Ralph C. Short, Mike Thielk, Randy C. Van Vranken, Timothy D. Thomas

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1218, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies II; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.18227
Event: OE/LASE '90, 1990, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Space based optical communications systems that communicate with several satellites need a method to simultaneously track multiple platforms and receive low rate data from each platform. The tracking and data link are required to manage the communications network and to facilitate rapid switching of a high data rate optical link. We will describe a proof-of-concept (POC) system that utilizes a high speed area array detector to simultaneously track and receive data from multiple optical communications beacons. The tracking has sufficient precision to permit rapid acquisition and tracking of any of the beacons by a high speed optical link. The sensitivity of the system is sufficient to permit open loop pointing of divergent beacons. The beacon can be modulated at kilobit/sec rates and the tracking system is capable of synchronizing and extracting the data from all the beacons being tracked.

Citation Download Citation

David L. Clark, Michael A. Cosgrove, Ralph C. Short, Mike Thielk, Randy C. Van Vranken, and Timothy D. Thomas "Simultaneous tracking and low-data-rate communications with high-speed array detectors for optical communications network management", Proc. SPIE 1218, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies II, (1 July 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.18227

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