High-Efficiency Laser Transmitter

ABSTRACT: In this effort, we propose to develop a high-efficiency, high-power optical transmitter as an enabling technology for high-data-rate, free-space laser communications. The latter will be applied for use in future generations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles- and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit-based military communications satellites to support warfighter Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. We take advantage of recent advances in key components, optimization of others and prior experience with satellite-based hardware to enable our advancement in the state-of-the-art for transmitters. The inherent high efficiency reduces the overall thermal load for the system, and the use of optical-fiber technology allows distribution of the sources of heat over a large area, simplifying thermal management. BENEFIT: Our improved fiber-amplifier efficiency allows either: more transmitter power and hence improved link margin for the same electrical power consumption and thermal load or reduced power consumption and thermal load for the same transmitter power. For satellites with solar panels, the lower power consumption leads to a smaller satellite footprint, thus reduced vulnerability, and reduced weight, leading to lower launch costs. For UAVs, reduced power leads to lower overall weight in the vehicle, and less waste heat to manage. The primary use of this device would be in Military satellite communication systems.