A conical scan free space optical tracking system for fading channels

Robert J. Murphy; Alicia M. Volpicelli; William Wilcox Jr.; David A. Crucioli; Timothy H. Williams

doi:10.1117/12.826299

21 August 2009 A conical scan free space optical tracking system for fading channels

Robert J. Murphy, Alicia M. Volpicelli, William Wilcox Jr., David A. Crucioli, Timothy H. Williams

Proceedings Volume 7464, Free-Space Laser Communications IX; 74640P (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826299
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Free space optical communication systems require robust pointing and tracking to establish and maintain lineof- sight (LOS). Atmospheric scintillation can present a challenge to the LOS tracking systems located at each end of the link. This paper describes a pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) approach for single-mode fiber coupling, which was successfully demonstrated over a 5.4 km lasercom link that was subject to severe turbulence conditions. One of the primary advantages of the scheme described is its compensation for thermo-mechanical drift, which simplifies optomechanical design and allows use of simple COTS hardware. An overview of the PAT system and performance data are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Robert J. Murphy, Alicia M. Volpicelli, William Wilcox Jr., David A. Crucioli, and Timothy H. Williams "A conical scan free space optical tracking system for fading channels", Proc. SPIE 7464, Free-Space Laser Communications IX, 74640P (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826299

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