Ultra High-Speed and Compact Optical Transmitter for Inter-satellite Communications

Compact, high-speed, and multi-functional optical transmitters are needed for inter-satellite communication systems. Multiplex, Inc., University of California – San Diego, and Lockheed Martin propose to develop ultra high speed (> 40Gb/s) optical transmitters with high output power (> 13dBm) by monolithically integrating a laser, electro-absorption modulator and a semiconductor optical amplifier on InP chips, producing ultra compact transmitter assemblies capable of fast wavelength tuning in the 1550-nm band. Innovative laser and dilute-core or peripherally coupled modulator waveguides will also be designed for integration on the optical chip with potential growth path to even higher bandwidth and power for space communications. The successful development of the optical transmitter will impact future DoD inter-satellite communication links and stimulate commercial applications by demonstrating innovative and manufacturable technologies for components and subsystems.