Distribution of precision UHF and timing signals with fiber optic transmission lines

Joseph J. Suter; Richard A. Dragonette

doi:10.1117/12.210526

30 May 1995 Distribution of precision UHF and timing signals with fiber optic transmission lines

Joseph J. Suter, Richard A. Dragonette

Proceedings Volume 2482, Photonics for Space Environments III; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.210526
Event: SPIE's 1995 Symposium on OE/Aerospace Sensing and Dual Use Photonics, 1995, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Previous experiments have shown that fiber-optic technology is capable of UHF (5 MHz) signal transmission having a single-sideband phasenoise of - 120 dBc/Hz in a one Hertz bandwidth. These experiments also demonstrated that radar chirp signals distributed by these fiber-optic links meet system requirements with respect to flatness and stability. The major drawback of a fiber-optic system appears to be the high insertion loss. This paper reports on progress made in the developments of fiber-optic links as well as the adaptation of fiber optics for the transmission of precise timing pulses (1 pps) and 5-MHz UHF signals generated by an atomic hydrogen maser over distances of several thousand feet. A fiber-optic system which transmits these precision time and frequency signals from an atomic frequency standards laboratory to a satellite tracking station has been implemented. This system will play an active part in the tracking of spacecraft. Details on its performance are presented and comparisons between systems using laser diode and LED sources are briefly discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph J. Suter and Richard A. Dragonette "Distribution of precision UHF and timing signals with fiber optic transmission lines", Proc. SPIE 2482, Photonics for Space Environments III, (30 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.210526

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