Realization of heterodyne acquisition and tracking with diode lasers at lambda=1.55 um

Martin F. Hueber; Walter R. Leeb; Arpad L. Scholtz

doi:10.1117/12.46090

1 May 1991 Realization of heterodyne acquisition and tracking with diode lasers at lambda=1.55 μm

Martin F. Hueber, Walter R. Leeb, Arpad L. Scholtz

Proceedings Volume 1522, Optical Space Communication II; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46090
Event: Munich '91 (Lasers '91), 1991, Munich, Germany

Abstract

We designed, realized, and tested a laboratory model of an optical intersatellite link employing InGaAS DFB semiconductor lasers operating at a wavelength of 1.55km. Heterodyne sensing was used for both the spatial acquisition and the spatial tracking processes. During the acquisition process spiral scanning of the transmitter area of uncertainty is performed. A microcomputer controls the receiver operation. For each spatial search position the local oscillator laser is swept through a predefined frequency uncertainty range until the beat signal appears at the desired intermediate frequency (IF=700MHz). A heterodyne quadrant detector was realized by using a four-sided reflecting pyramid to split the superimposed beam. During tracking, the microcomputer reads the tracking sensor output signals, calculates the required antenna correction, and feeds the appropriate signals to the beam steering unit. Thus we realized a digital tracking loop, whereas the intermediate frequency is stabilized by means of an analog control loop. The tracking sensor angular resolution -withoutusing a telescope - is 5rad, limited by the digital signal processing, at a detector field of view of lmrad. The typical tracking error measured for various system conditions amounts to less than 1/20 of the FOV, i.e. less than

Citation Download Citation

Martin F. Hueber, Walter R. Leeb, and Arpad L. Scholtz "Realization of heterodyne acquisition and tracking with diode lasers at lambda=1.55 μm", Proc. SPIE 1522, Optical Space Communication II, (1 May 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46090

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available