Apparatus and Method for Effecting Data Transfer Between Data Systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kirkpatrick, Joey V. (Inventor); Grosz, Francis B., Jr. (Inventor); Lannes, Kenny (Inventor); Maniscalco, David G. (Inventor)
2001-01-01
An apparatus for effecting data transfer between data systems comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The first transceiver has an input for receiving digital data from one of the data systems, an output for serially outputting digital data to one of the data systems, at least one transmitter for converting digital data received at the input into optical signals, and at least one receiver for receiving optical signals and serially converting the received optical signals to digital data for output to the data output. The second transceiver has an input for receiving digital data from another one of the data systems, an output for serially outputting digital data to the another one of the data systems, at least one transmitter for serially converting digital data received at the input of the second transceiver into optical signals, and at least one receiver for receiving optical signals and serially converting the received optical signals to digital data for output to the output of the second transceiver. The apparatus further comprises an optical link connecting the first and second transceivers. The optical link comprising a pair of optical fibers. One of the optical fibers optically links the transmitter of the first transceiver to the receiver of the second transceiver. The other optical fiber optically links the receiver of the first transceiver to the transmitter of the second transceiver.
Received optical power calculations for optical communications link performance analysis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marshall, W. K.; Burk, B. D.
1986-01-01
The factors affecting optical communication link performance differ substantially from those at microwave frequencies, due to the drastically differing technologies, modulation formats, and effects of quantum noise in optical communications. In addition detailed design control table calculations for optical systems are less well developed than corresponding microwave system techniques, reflecting the relatively less mature state of development of optical communications. Described below are detailed calculations of received optical signal and background power in optical communication systems, with emphasis on analytic models for accurately predicting transmitter and receiver system losses.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nappier, Jennifer M.; Tokars, Roger P.; Wroblewski, Adam C.
2016-01-01
The Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project at the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Glenn Research Center is investigating the feasibility of a hybrid radio frequency (RF) and optical communication system for future deep space missions. As a part of this investigation, a test bed for a radio frequency (RF) and optical software defined radio (SDR) has been built. Receivers and modems for the NASA deep space optical waveform are not commercially available so a custom ground optical receiver system has been built. This paper documents the ground optical receiver, which is used in order to test the RF and optical SDR in a free space optical communications link.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nappier, Jennifer M.; Tokars, Roger P.; Wroblewski, Adam C.
2016-01-01
The Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Glenn Research Center is investigating the feasibility of a hybrid radio frequency (RF) and optical communication system for future deep space missions. As a part of this investigation, a test bed for a radio frequency (RF) and optical software defined radio (SDR) has been built. Receivers and modems for the NASA deep space optical waveform are not commercially available so a custom ground optical receiver system has been built. This paper documents the ground optical receiver, which is used in order to test the RF and optical SDR in a free space optical communications link.
Noncoherent Combination Of Optical-Heterodyne Outputs
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, Chien-Chung; Lesh, James R.
1990-01-01
In proposed scheme for reception of amplitude- or frequency-modulated signals transmitted optically through atmosphere, main receiver aperture divided into subapertures equipped with receivers, and outputs of receivers combined noncoherently. Multiple subaperture receivers used instead of attempting to focus all light from single large aperture onto one receiver. Outputs of receivers combined after demodulation. System will not perform as well as fully coherent system, but surpasses single-large-aperture system in presence of atmospheric turbulence. Offers superior performance in presence of distorted wavefront and/or imperfect receiver optics.
Fiber optic multiplex optical transmission system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bell, C. H. (Inventor)
1977-01-01
A multiplex optical transmission system which minimizes external interference while simultaneously receiving and transmitting video, digital data, and audio signals is described. Signals are received into subgroup mixers for blocking into respective frequency ranges. The outputs of these mixers are in turn fed to a master mixer which produces a composite electrical signal. An optical transmitter connected to the master mixer converts the composite signal into an optical signal and transmits it over a fiber optic cable to an optical receiver which receives the signal and converts it back to a composite electrical signal. A de-multiplexer is coupled to the output of the receiver for separating the composite signal back into composite video, digital data, and audio signals. A programmable optic patch board is interposed in the fiber optic cables for selectively connecting the optical signals to various receivers and transmitters.
Wide field strip-imaging optical system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vaughan, Arthur H. (Inventor)
1994-01-01
A strip imaging wide angle optical system is provided. The optical system is provided with a 'virtual' material stop to avoid aberrational effects inherent in wide angle optical systems. The optical system includes a spherical mirror section for receiving light from a 180-degree strip or arc of a target image. Light received by the spherical mirror section is reflected to a frusto-conical mirror section for subsequent rereflection to a row of optical fibers. Each optical fiber transmits a portion of the received light to a detector. The optical system exploits the narrow cone of acceptance associated with optical fibers to substantially eliminate vignetting effects inherent in wide-angle systems. Further, the optical system exploits the narrow cone of acceptance of the optical fibers to substantially limit spherical aberration. The optical system is ideally suited for any application wherein a 180-degree strip image need be detected, and is particularly well adapted for use in hostile environments such as in planetary exploration.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vaughan, Arthur H. (Inventor)
1993-01-01
A strip imaging wide angle optical system is provided. The optical system is provided with a 'virtual' material stop to avoid aberrational effects inherent in wide angle optical systems. The optical system includes a spherical mirror section for receiving light from a 180 deg strip or arc of a target image. Light received by the spherical mirror section is reflected to a frustoconical mirror section for subsequent rereflection to a row of optical fibers. Each optical fiber transmits a portion of the received light to a detector. The optical system exploits the narrow cone of acceptance associated with optical fibers to substantially eliminate vignetting effects inherent in wide angle systems. Further, the optical system exploits the narrow cone of acceptance of the optical fibers to substantially limit spherical aberration. The optical system is ideally suited for any application wherein a 180 deg strip image need be detected, and is particularly well adapted for use in hostile environments such as in planetary exploration.
Test Port for Fiber-Optic-Coupled Laser Altimeter
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ramos Izquierdo, Luis; Scott, V. Stanley; Rinis, Haris; Cavanaugh, John
2011-01-01
A test port designed as part of a fiber optic coupled laser altimeter receiver optical system allows for the back-illumination of the optical system for alignment verification, as well as illumination of the detector(s) for testing the receiver electronics and signal-processing algorithms. Measuring the optical alignment of a laser altimeter instrument is difficult after the instrument is fully assembled. The addition of a test port in the receiver aft-optics allows for the back-illumination of the receiver system such that its focal setting and boresight alignment can be easily verified. For a multiple-detector receiver system, the addition of the aft-optics test port offers the added advantage of being able to simultaneously test all the detectors with different signals that simulate the expected operational conditions. On a laser altimeter instrument (see figure), the aft-optics couple the light from the receiver telescope to the receiver detector(s). Incorporating a beam splitter in the aft-optics design allows for the addition of a test port to back-illuminate the receiver telescope and/or detectors. The aft-optics layout resembles a T with the detector on one leg, the receiver telescope input port on the second leg, and the test port on the third leg. The use of a custom beam splitter with 99-percent reflection, 1-percent transmission, and a mirrored roof can send the test port light to the receiver telescope leg as well as the detector leg, without unduly sacrificing the signal from the receiver telescope to the detector. The ability to test the receiver system alignment, as well as multiple detectors with different signals without the need to disassemble the instrument or connect and reconnect components, is a great advantage to the aft-optics test port. Another benefit is that the receiver telescope aperture is fully back-illuminated by the test port so the receiver telescope focal setting vs. pressure and or temperature can be accurately measured (as compared to schemes where the aperture is only partially illuminated). Fiber-optic coupling the test port also allows for the modularity of testing the receiver detectors with a variety of background and signal laser sources without the need of using complex optical set-ups to optimize the efficiency of each source.
Fiber optic spectroscopic digital imaging sensor and method for flame properties monitoring
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zelepouga, Serguei A; Rue, David M; Saveliev, Alexei V
2011-03-15
A system for real-time monitoring of flame properties in combustors and gasifiers which includes an imaging fiber optic bundle having a light receiving end and a light output end and a spectroscopic imaging system operably connected with the light output end of the imaging fiber optic bundle. Focusing of the light received by the light receiving end of the imaging fiber optic bundle by a wall disposed between the light receiving end of the fiber optic bundle and a light source, which wall forms a pinhole opening aligned with the light receiving end.
Passive thermo-optic feedback for robust athermal photonic systems
Rakich, Peter T.; Watts, Michael R.; Nielson, Gregory N.
2015-06-23
Thermal control devices, photonic systems and methods of stabilizing a temperature of a photonic system are provided. A thermal control device thermally coupled to a substrate includes a waveguide for receiving light, an absorption element optically coupled to the waveguide for converting the received light to heat and an optical filter. The optical filter is optically coupled to the waveguide and thermally coupled to the absorption element. An operating point of the optical filter is tuned responsive to the heat from the absorption element. When the operating point is less than a predetermined temperature, the received light is passed to the absorption element via the optical filter. When the operating point is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the received light is transmitted out of the thermal control device via the optical filter, without being passed to the absorption element.
A Fiber-Optic Coupled Telescope for Water Vapor DIAL Receivers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
DeYoung, Russell J.; Lonn, Frederick
1998-01-01
A fiber-optic coupled telescope of low complexity was constructed and tested. The major loss mechanisms of the optical system have been characterized. Light collected by the receiver mirror is focused onto an optical fiber, and the output of the fiber is filtered by an interference filter and then focused onto an APD detector. This system was used in lidar field measurements with a 532-nm Nd:YAG laser beam. The results were encouraging. A numerical model used for calculation of the expected return signal agreed with the lidar return signal obtained. The assembled system was easy to align and operate and weighed about 8 kg for a 30 cm (12") mirror system. This weight is low enough to allow mounting of the fiber-optic telescope receiver system in a UAV. Furthermore, the good agreement between the numerical lidar model and the performance of the actual receiver system, suggests that this model may be used for estimation of the performance of this and other lidar systems in the future. Such telescopes are relatively easy to construct and align. The fiber optic cable allows easy placement of the optical detector in any position. These telescope systems should find widespread use in aircraft and space home DIAL water vapor receiver systems.
Interchip link system using an optical wiring method.
Cho, In-Kui; Ryu, Jin-Hwa; Jeong, Myung-Yung
2008-08-15
A chip-scale optical link system is presented with a transmitter/receiver and optical wire link. The interchip link system consists of a metal optical bench, a printed circuit board module, a driver/receiver integrated circuit, a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser/photodiode array, and an optical wire link composed of plastic optical fibers (POFs). We have developed a downsized POF and an optical wiring method that allows on-site installation with a simple annealing as optical wiring technologies for achieving high-density optical interchip interconnection within such devices. Successful data transfer measurements are presented.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Davidson, Frederic M.
1992-01-01
Performance measurements are reported concerning a coherent optical communication receiver that contained an iron doped indium phosphide photorefractive beam combiner, rather than a conventional optical beam splitter. The system obtained a bit error probability of 10(exp -6) at received signal powers corresponding to less than 100 detected photons per bit. The system used phase modulated Nd:YAG laser light at a wavelength of 1.06 microns.
Optical Communication with Semiconductor Laser Diode. Interim Progress Report. Ph.D. Thesis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Davidson, Frederic; Sun, Xiaoli
1989-01-01
Theoretical and experimental performance limits of a free-space direct detection optical communication system were studied using a semiconductor laser diode as the optical transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) as the receiver photodetector. Optical systems using these components are under consideration as replacements for microwave satellite communication links. Optical pulse position modulation (PPM) was chosen as the signal format. An experimental system was constructed that used an aluminum gallium arsenide semiconductor laser diode as the transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode photodetector. The system used Q=4 PPM signaling at a source data rate of 25 megabits per second. The PPM signal format requires regeneration of PPM slot clock and word clock waveforms in the receiver. A nearly exact computational procedure was developed to compute receiver bit error rate without using the Gaussion approximation. A transition detector slot clock recovery system using a phase lock loop was developed and implemented. A novel word clock recovery system was also developed. It was found that the results of the nearly exact computational procedure agreed well with actual measurements of receiver performance. The receiver sensitivity achieved was the closest to the quantum limit yet reported for an optical communication system of this type.
A Quasi-Optical Transmit/Receive Switch for the Goldstone Solar System Radar
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bhanji, Al
1997-01-01
A novel quasi-optical transmit/receive switch design for use with a high transmit power, low receive noise planetary imaging radar system is described. Design tradeoffs and implementation are discussed.
Fully optical backplane system using novel optical plug and slot
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, In-Kui; Ahn, Seung-Ho; Lee, Woo-Jin; Han, Sang-Pil; Kim, Jin-Tae; Choi, Chun-Ki; Shin, Kyung-Up; Yoon, Keun Byoung; Jeong, Myung-Yung; Park, Hyo Hoon
2005-10-01
A fully optical PCB with transmitter/receiver system boards and optical bakcplane was prepared, which is board-to-board interconnection by an optical slot. We report a 10 Gb/s PRBS NRZ data transmission between transmitter system board and optical backplane embedded multimode polymeric waveguide arrays. The basic concept of the optical PCB is as follows; 1) Metal optical bench is integrated with optoelectronic devices, driver and receiver circuits, polymeric waveguide and access line PCB module. 2) Multimode polymeric waveguide inside an optical backplane, which is embedded into PCB, 3) Optical slot and plug for high-density (channel pitch : 500 um) board-to-board interconnection. The polymeric waveguide technology can be used for transmission of data between transmitter/receiver processing boards and backplane boards. The main components are low-loss tapered polymeric waveguides and a novel optical plug and slot for board-to-board interconnections, respectively. The transmitter/receiver processing boards are designed as plug types, and can be easily plugged-in and -out at an optical backplane board. The optical backplane boards are prepared by employing the lamination processes for conventional electrical PCBs. A practical optical backplane system was implemented with two processing boards and an optical backplane. As connection components between the transmitter/receiver processing boards and backplane board, optical slots made of a 90°-bending structure-embedded optical plug was used. A 10 Gb/s data link was successfully demonstrated. The bit error rate (BER) was determined and is 5.6×10 -9(@10Gb/s) and the BER of 8 Gb/s is < 10 -12.
Wu, Huiyun; Sheng, Shen; Huang, Zhisong; Zhao, Siqing; Wang, Hua; Sun, Zhenhai; Xu, Xiegu
2013-02-25
As a new attractive application of the vortex beams, power coupling of annular vortex beam propagating through a two- Cassegrain-telescope optical system in turbulent atmosphere has been investigated. A typical model of annular vortex beam propagating through a two-Cassegrain-telescope optical system is established, the general analytical expression of vortex beams with limited apertures and the analytical formulas for the average intensity distribution at the receiver plane are derived. Under the H-V 5/7 turbulence model, the average intensity distribution at the receiver plane and power coupling efficiency of the optical system are numerically calculated, and the influences of the optical topological charge, the laser wavelength, the propagation path and the receiver apertures on the power coupling efficiency are analyzed. These studies reveal that the average intensity distribution at the receiver plane presents a central dark hollow profile, which is suitable for power coupling by the Cassegrain telescope receiver. In the optical system with optimized parameters, power coupling efficiency can keep in high values with the increase of the propagation distance. Under the atmospheric turbulent conditions, great advantages of vortex beam in power coupling of the two-Cassegrain-telescope optical system are shown in comparison with beam without vortex.
Low jitter RF distribution system
Wilcox, Russell; Doolittle, Lawrence; Huang, Gang
2012-09-18
A timing signal distribution system includes an optical frequency stabilized laser signal amplitude modulated at an rf frequency. A transmitter box transmits a first portion of the laser signal and receive a modified optical signal, and outputs a second portion of the laser signal and a portion of the modified optical signal. A first optical fiber carries the first laser signal portion and the modified optical signal, and a second optical fiber carries the second portion of the laser signal and the returned modified optical signal. A receiver box receives the first laser signal portion, shifts the frequency of the first laser signal portion outputs the modified optical signal, and outputs an electrical signal on the basis of the laser signal. A detector at the end of the second optical fiber outputs a signal based on the modified optical signal. An optical delay sensing circuit outputs a data signal based on the detected modified optical signal. An rf phase detect and correct signal circuit outputs a signal corresponding to a phase stabilized rf signal based on the data signal and the frequency received from the receiver box.
System and method for linearly amplifying optical analog signals by backward Raman scattering
Lin, Cheng-Heui
1988-01-01
A system for linearly amplifying an optical analog signal by backward stimulated Raman scattering comprises a laser source for generating a pump pulse; and an optic fiber having two opposed apertures, a first aperture for receiving the pump pulse and a second aperture for receiving the optical analog signal, wherein the optical analog signal is linearly amplified to an amplified optical analog signal.
System and method for linearly amplifying optical analog signals by backward Raman scattering
Lin, Cheng-Heui
1988-07-05
A system for linearly amplifying an optical analog signal by backward stimulated Raman scattering comprises a laser source for generating a pump pulse; and an optic fiber having two opposed apertures, a first aperture for receiving the pump pulse and a second aperture for receiving the optical analog signal, wherein the optical analog signal is linearly amplified to an amplified optical analog signal.
Board-to-board optical interconnection using novel optical plug and slot
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, In K.; Yoon, Keun Byoung; Ahn, Seong H.; Kim, Jin Tae; Lee, Woo Jin; Shin, Kyoung Up; Heo, Young Un; Park, Hyo Hoon
2004-10-01
A novel optical PCB with transmitter/receiver system boards and optical bakcplane was prepared, which is board-to-board interconnection by optical plug and slot. We report an 8Gb/s PRBS NRZ data transmission between transmitter system board and optical backplane embedded multimode polymeric waveguide arrays. The basic concept of ETRI's optical PCB is as follows; 1) Metal optical bench is integrated with optoelectronic devices, driver and receiver circuits, polymeric waveguide and access line PCB module. 2) Multimode polymeric waveguide inside an optical backplane, which is embedded into PCB. 3) Optical slot and plug for high-density(channel pitch : 500um) board-to-board interconnection. The polymeric waveguide technology can be used for transmission of data on transmitter/ receiver system boards and for backplane interconnections. The main components are low-loss tapered polymeric waveguides and a novel optical plug and slot for board-to-board interconnections, respectively. The optical PCB is characteristic of low coupling loss, easy insertion/extraction of the boards and, especially, reliable optical coupling unaffected from external environment after board insertion.
Performance of a laser microsatellite network with an optical preamplifier.
Arnon, Shlomi
2005-04-01
Laser satellite communication (LSC) uses free space as a propagation medium for various applications, such as intersatellite communication or satellite networking. An LSC system includes a laser transmitter and an optical receiver. For communication to occur, the line of sight of the transmitter and the receiver must be aligned. However, mechanical vibration and electronic noise in the control system reduce alignment between the transmitter laser beam and the receiver field of view (FOV), which results in pointing errors. The outcome of pointing errors is fading of the received signal, which leads to impaired link performance. An LSC system is considered in which the optical preamplifier is incorporated into the receiver, and a bit error probability (BEP) model is derived that takes into account the statistics of the pointing error as well as the optical amplifier and communication system parameters. The model and the numerical calculation results indicate that random pointing errors of sigma(chi)2G > 0.05 penalize communication performance dramatically for all combinations of optical amplifier gains and noise figures that were calculated.
Optical Power Transfer System for Powering a Remote Mobility System for Multiple Missions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hogan, Bartholomew P. (Inventor); Stone, William C. (Inventor)
2016-01-01
An optical power transfer system for powering a remote mobility system for multiple missions comprising a high power source and a chilling station connected to a laser source. The laser source transmits a high optical energy to a beam switch assembly via an optical fiber. The beam switch assembly is optically connected to actively cooled fiber spoolers. Docking stations are adapted for securing the fiber spoolers until alternatively ready for use by a remote mobility system. The remote mobility system is optically connected to the fiber spoolers and has a receiving port adapted for securing the fiber spoolers thereon. The fiber spooler transmits the optical energy to a power conversion system which converts the optical energy received to another usable form of energy. More than one power source may be used where the remote mobility system transfers from one source to another while maintaining an operational radius to each source.
Hybrid electronic/optical synchronized chaos communication system.
Toomey, J P; Kane, D M; Davidović, A; Huntington, E H
2009-04-27
A hybrid electronic/optical system for synchronizing a chaotic receiver to a chaotic transmitter has been demonstrated. The chaotic signal is generated electronically and injected, in addition to a constant bias current, to a semiconductor laser to produce an optical carrier for transmission. The optical chaotic carrier is photodetected to regenerate an electronic signal for synchronization in a matched electronic receiver The system has been successfully used for the transmission and recovery of a chaos masked message that is added to the chaotic optical carrier. Past demonstrations of synchronized chaos based, secure communication systems have used either an electronic chaotic carrier or an optical chaotic carrier (such as the chaotic output of various nonlinear laser systems). This is the first electronic/optical hybrid system to be demonstrated. We call this generation of a chaotic optical carrier by electronic injection.
The fiber optic system for the advanced topographic laser altimeter system instrument (ATLAS)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ott, Melanie N.; Thomes, W. Joe; Onuma, Eleanya; Switzer, Robert; Chuska, Richard; Blair, Diana; Frese, Erich; Matyseck, Marc
2016-09-01
The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) Instrument has been in integration and testing over the past 18 months in preparation for the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite - 2 (ICESat-2) Mission, scheduled to launch in 2017. ICESat-2 is the follow on to ICESat which launched in 2003 and operated until 2009. ATLAS will measure the elevation of ice sheets, glaciers and sea ice or the "cryosphere" (as well as terrain) to provide data for assessing the earth's global climate changes. Where ICESat's instrument, the Geo-Science Laser Altimeter (GLAS) used a single beam measured with a 70 m spot on the ground and a distance between spots of 170 m, ATLAS will measure a spot size of 10 m with a spacing of 70 cm using six beams to measure terrain height changes as small as 4 mm.[1] The ATLAS pulsed transmission system consists of two lasers operating at 532 nm with transmitter optics for beam steering, a diffractive optical element that splits the signal into 6 separate beams, receivers for start pulse detection and a wavelength tracking system. The optical receiver telescope system consists of optics that focus all six beams into optical fibers that feed a filter system that transmits the signal via fiber assemblies to the detectors. Also included on the instrument is a system that calibrates the alignment of the transmitted pulses to the receiver optics for precise signal capture. The larger electro optical subsystems for transmission, calibration, and signal receive, stay aligned and transmitting sufficiently due to the optical fiber system that links them together. The robust design of the fiber optic system, consisting of a variety of multi fiber arrays and simplex assemblies with multiple fiber core sizes and types, will enable the system to maintain consistent critical alignments for the entire life of the mission. Some of the development approaches used to meet the challenging optical system requirements for ATLAS are discussed here.
The fiber optic system for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument
Ott, Melanie N.; Thomes, Joe; Onuma, Eleanya; Switzer, Robert; Chuska, Richard; Blair, Diana; Frese, Erich; Matyseck, Marc
2017-01-01
The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) Instrument has been in integration and testing over the past 18 months in preparation for the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite – 2 (ICESat-2) Mission, scheduled to launch in 2017. ICESat-2 is the follow on to ICESat which launched in 2003 and operated until 2009. ATLAS will measure the elevation of ice sheets, glaciers and sea ice or the “cryosphere” (as well as terrain) to provide data for assessing the earth’s global climate changes. Where ICESat’s instrument, the Geo-Science Laser Altimeter (GLAS) used a single beam measured with a 70 m spot on the ground and a distance between spots of 170 m, ATLAS will measure a spot size of 10 m with a spacing of 70 cm using six beams to measure terrain height changes as small as 4 mm.[1] The ATLAS pulsed transmission system consists of two lasers operating at 532 nm with transmitter optics for beam steering, a diffractive optical element that splits the signal into 6 separate beams, receivers for start pulse detection and a wavelength tracking system. The optical receiver telescope system consists of optics that focus all six beams into optical fibers that feed a filter system that transmits the signal via fiber assemblies to the detectors. Also included on the instrument is a system that calibrates the alignment of the transmitted pulses to the receiver optics for precise signal capture. The larger electro optical subsystems for transmission, calibration, and signal receive, stay aligned and transmitting sufficiently due to the optical fiber system that links them together. The robust design of the fiber optic system, consisting of a variety of multi fiber arrays and simplex assemblies with multiple fiber core sizes and types, will enable the system to maintain consistent critical alignments for the entire life of the mission. Some of the development approaches used to meet the challenging optical system requirements for ATLAS are discussed here. PMID:28280284
The fiber optic system for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument.
Ott, Melanie N; Thomes, Joe; Onuma, Eleanya; Switzer, Robert; Chuska, Richard; Blair, Diana; Frese, Erich; Matyseck, Marc
2016-08-28
The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) Instrument has been in integration and testing over the past 18 months in preparation for the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite - 2 (ICESat-2) Mission, scheduled to launch in 2017. ICESat-2 is the follow on to ICESat which launched in 2003 and operated until 2009. ATLAS will measure the elevation of ice sheets, glaciers and sea ice or the "cryosphere" (as well as terrain) to provide data for assessing the earth's global climate changes. Where ICESat's instrument, the Geo-Science Laser Altimeter (GLAS) used a single beam measured with a 70 m spot on the ground and a distance between spots of 170 m, ATLAS will measure a spot size of 10 m with a spacing of 70 cm using six beams to measure terrain height changes as small as 4 mm.[1] The ATLAS pulsed transmission system consists of two lasers operating at 532 nm with transmitter optics for beam steering, a diffractive optical element that splits the signal into 6 separate beams, receivers for start pulse detection and a wavelength tracking system. The optical receiver telescope system consists of optics that focus all six beams into optical fibers that feed a filter system that transmits the signal via fiber assemblies to the detectors. Also included on the instrument is a system that calibrates the alignment of the transmitted pulses to the receiver optics for precise signal capture. The larger electro optical subsystems for transmission, calibration, and signal receive, stay aligned and transmitting sufficiently due to the optical fiber system that links them together. The robust design of the fiber optic system, consisting of a variety of multi fiber arrays and simplex assemblies with multiple fiber core sizes and types, will enable the system to maintain consistent critical alignments for the entire life of the mission. Some of the development approaches used to meet the challenging optical system requirements for ATLAS are discussed here.
The Fiber Optic System for the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) Instrument
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ott, Melanie N.; Thomes, Joe; Onuma, Eleanya; Switzer, Robert; Chuska, Richard; Blair, Diana; Frese, Erich; Matyseck, Marc
2016-01-01
The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) Instrument has been in integration and testing over the past 18 months in preparation for the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite - 2 (ICESat-2) Mission, scheduled to launch in 2017. ICESat-2 is the follow on to ICESat which launched in 2003 and operated until 2009. ATLAS will measure the elevation of ice sheets, glaciers and sea ice or the "cryosphere" (as well as terrain) to provide data for assessing the earth's global climate changes. Where ICESat's instrument, the Geo-Science Laser Altimeter (GLAS) used a single beam measured with a 70 m spot on the ground and a distance between spots of 170 m, ATLAS will measure a spot size of 10 m with a spacing of 70 cm using six beams to measure terrain height changes as small as 4 mm. The ATLAS pulsed transmission system consists of two lasers operating at 532 nm with transmitter optics for beam steering, a diffractive optical element that splits the signal into 6 separate beams, receivers for start pulse detection and a wavelength tracking system. The optical receiver telescope system consists of optics that focus all six beams into optical fibers that feed a filter system that transmits the signal via fiber assemblies to the detectors. Also included on the instrument is a system that calibrates the alignment of the transmitted pulses to the receiver optics for precise signal capture. The larger electro optical subsystems for transmission, calibration, and signal receive, stay aligned and transmitting sufficiently due to the optical fiber system that links them together. The robust design of the fiber optic system, consisting of a variety of multi fiber arrays and simplex assemblies with multiple fiber core sizes and types, will enable the system to maintain consistent critical alignments for the entire life of the mission. Some of the development approaches used to meet the challenging optical system requirements for ATLAS are discussed here.
High-performance parallel interface to synchronous optical network gateway
St. John, Wallace B.; DuBois, David H.
1996-01-01
A system of sending and receiving gateways interconnects high speed data interfaces, e.g., HIPPI interfaces, through fiber optic links, e.g., a SONET network. An electronic stripe distributor distributes bytes of data from a first interface at the sending gateway onto parallel fiber optics of the fiber optic link to form transmitted data. An electronic stripe collector receives the transmitted data on the parallel fiber optics and reforms the data into a format effective for input to a second interface at the receiving gateway. Preferably, an error correcting syndrome is constructed at the sending gateway and sent with a data frame so that transmission errors can be detected and corrected in a real-time basis. Since the high speed data interface operates faster than any of the fiber optic links the transmission rate must be adapted to match the available number of fiber optic links so the sending and receiving gateways monitor the availability of fiber links and adjust the data throughput accordingly. In another aspect, the receiving gateway must have sufficient available buffer capacity to accept an incoming data frame. A credit-based flow control system provides for continuously updating the sending gateway on the available buffer capacity at the receiving gateway.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Inoue, Daisuke; Ichikawa, Tadashi; Matsubara, Hiroyuki; Mao, Xueon; Maeda, Mitsutoshi; Nagashima, Chie; Kagami, Manabu
2012-06-01
We have developed a LIDAR system with a sensor head which, although it includes a scanning mechanism, is less than 20 cc in size. The system is not only small, but is also highly sensitive. Our LIDAR system is based on time-of-flight measurements, and incorporates an optical fiber. The main feature of our system is the utilization of optical amplifiers for both the transmitter and the receiver, and the optical amplifiers enable us to exceed the detection limit set by thermal noise. In conventional LIDAR systems the detection limit is determined by the thermal noise, because the avalanche photo-diodes (APD) and trans-impedance amplifiers (TIA) that they use detect the received signals directly. In the case of our LIDAR system, the received signal is amplified by an optical fiber amplifier before reaching the photo diode and the TIA. Therefore, our LIDAR system boosts the signal level before the weak incoming signal is depleted by thermal noise. There are conditions under which the noise figure for the combination of an optical fiber amplifier and a photo diode is superior to the noise figure for an avalanche photo diode. We optimized the gains of the optical fiber amplifier and the TIA in our LIDAR system such that it would be capable of detecting a single photon. As a result, the detection limit of our system is determined by shot noise. We have previously demonstrated optical pre-amplified LIDAR with a perfect co-axial optical system[1]. For this we used a variable optical attenuator to remove internal reflection from the transmission and receiving lenses. However, the optical attenuator had an insertion loss of 6dB which reduced the sensitivity of the LIDAR. We re-designed the optical system such that it was semi-co-axial and removed the variable optical attenuator. As a result, we succeeded in scanning up to a range of 80 m. This small and highly sensitive measurement technology shows great potential for use in LIDAR.
Li, Kangning; Ma, Jing; Tan, Liying; Yu, Siyuan; Zhai, Chao
2016-06-10
The performances of fiber-based free-space optical (FSO) communications over gamma-gamma distributed turbulence are studied for multiple aperture receiver systems. The equal gain combining (EGC) technique is considered as a practical scheme to mitigate the atmospheric turbulence. Bit error rate (BER) performances for binary-phase-shift-keying-modulated coherent detection fiber-based free-space optical communications are derived and analyzed for EGC diversity receptions through an approximation method. To show the net diversity gain of a multiple aperture receiver system, BER performances of EGC are compared with a single monolithic aperture receiver system with the same total aperture area (same average total incident optical power on the aperture surface) for fiber-based free-space optical communications. The analytical results are verified by Monte Carlo simulations. System performances are also compared for EGC diversity coherent FSO communications with or without considering fiber-coupling efficiencies.
An optical ASK and FSK phase diversity transmission system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vandenboom, H.; Vanetten, W.; Dekrom, W. H. C.; Vanbennekom, P.; Huijskens, F.; Niessen, L.; Deleijer, F.
1992-12-01
The results of a contribution to an electrooptical project for a 'phase diversity system', covering ASK and FSK (Amplitude and Frequency Shift Keying), are described. Specifications of subsystems, and tolerances and consequences of these tolerances for the final system performance, were derived. For the optical network of the phase diversity receiver, a manufacturing set up for three by three fused biconical taper fiber couplers was developed. In order to characterize planar optical networks, a set up was constructed to measure the phase relations at 1523 nm. The optical frequency of the local oscillator laser has to be locked on to the frequency of the received optical signal. This locking circuit is described. A complete optical three by three phase diversity transmission system was developed that can be used as a testbed for subsystems. The sensitivity of the receiver at a bit error rate of 10 to the minus 9th power is -47.2 dBm, which is 4.2 dB better than the value of the specifications.
3D two-photon lithographic microfabrication system
Kim, Daekeun [Cambridge, MA; So, Peter T. C. [Boston, MA
2011-03-08
An imaging system is provided that includes a optical pulse generator for providing an optical pulse having a spectral bandwidth and includes monochromatic waves having different wavelengths. A dispersive element receives a second optical pulse associated with the optical pulse and disperses the second optical pulse at different angles on the surface of the dispersive element depending on wavelength. One or more focal elements receives the dispersed second optical pulse produced on the dispersive element. The one or more focal element recombine the dispersed second optical pulse at a focal plane on a specimen where the width of the optical pulse is restored at the focal plane.
Polarization division multiplexing for optical data communications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ivanovich, Darko; Powell, Samuel B.; Gruev, Viktor; Chamberlain, Roger D.
2018-02-01
Multiple parallel channels are ubiquitous in optical communications, with spatial division multiplexing (separate physical paths) and wavelength division multiplexing (separate optical wavelengths) being the most common forms. Here, we investigate the viability of polarization division multiplexing, the separation of distinct parallel optical communication channels through the polarization properties of light. Two or more linearly polarized optical signals (at different polarization angles) are transmitted through a common medium, filtered using aluminum nanowire optical filters fabricated on-chip, and received using individual silicon photodetectors (one per channel). The entire receiver (including optics) is compatible with standard CMOS fabrication processes. The filter model is based upon an input optical signal formed as the sum of the Stokes vectors for each individual channel, transformed by the Mueller matrix that models the filter proper, resulting in an output optical signal that impinges on each photodiode. The results show that two- and three-channel systems can operate with a fixed-threshold comparator in the receiver circuit, but four-channel systems (and larger) will require channel coding of some form. For example, in the four-channel system, 10 of 16 distinct bit patterns are separable by the receiver. The model supports investigation of the range of variability tolerable in the fabrication of the on-chip polarization filters.
Empfangsleistung in Abhängigkeit von der Zielentfernung bei optischen Kurzstrecken-Radargeräten.
Riegl, J; Bernhard, M
1974-04-01
The dependence of the received optical power on the range in optical short-distance radar range finders is calculated by means of the methods of geometrical optics. The calculations are based on a constant intensity of the transmitter-beam cross section and on an ideal thin lens for the receiver optics. The results are confirmed by measurements. Even measurements using a nonideal thick lens system for the receiver optics are in reasonable agreement with the calculations.
Fiber-based free-space optical coherent receiver with vibration compensation mechanism.
Zhang, Ruochi; Wang, Jianmin; Zhao, Guang; Lv, Junyi
2013-07-29
We propose a novel fiber-based free-space optical (FSO) coherent receiver for inter-satellite communication. The receiver takes advantage of established fiber-optic components and utilizes the fine-pointing subsystem installed in FSO terminals to minimize the influence of satellite platform vibrations. The received beam is coupled to a single-mode fiber, and the coupling efficiency of the system is investigated both analytically and experimentally. A receiving sensitivity of -38 dBm is obtained at the forward error correction limit with a transmission rate of 22.4 Gbit/s. The proposed receiver is shown to be a promising component for inter-satellite optical communication.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Begley, David L. (Editor); Seery, Bernard D. (Editor)
1992-01-01
Papers included in this volume are grouped under topics of receivers; laser transmitters; components; system analysis, performance, and applications; and beam control (pointing, acquisition, and tracking). Papers are presented on an experimental determination of power penalty contributions in an optical Costas-type phase-locked loop receiver, a resonant laser receiver for free-space laser communications, a simple low-loss technique for frequency-locking lasers, direct phase modulation of laser diodes, and a silex beacon. Particular attention is given to experimental results on an optical array antenna for nonmechanical beam steering, a potassium Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter, a 100-Mbps resonant cavity phase modulator for coherent optical communications, a numerical simulation of a 325-Mbit/s QPPM optical communication system, design options for an optical multiple-access data relay terminal, CCD-based optical tracking loop design trades, and an analysis of a spatial-tracking subsystem for optical communications.
Performance testing of lidar receivers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shams, M. Y.
1986-01-01
In addition to the considerations about the different types of noise sources, dynamic range, and linearity of a lidar receiver, one requires information about the pulse shape retaining capabilities of the receiver. For this purpose, relatively precise information about the height resolution as well as the recovery time of the receiver, due both to large transients and to fast changes in the received signal, is required. As more and more analog receivers using fast analog to digital converters and transient recorders will be used in the future lidar systems, methods to test these devices are essential. The method proposed for this purpose is shown. Tests were carried out using LCW-10, LT-20, and FTVR-2 as optical parts of the optical pulse generator circuits. A commercial optical receiver, LNOR, and a transient recorder, VK 220-4, were parts of the receiver system.
System and method for attitude determination based on optical imaging
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Junkins, John L. (Inventor); Pollock, Thomas C. (Inventor); Mortari, Daniele (Inventor)
2003-01-01
A method and apparatus is provide for receiving a first set of optical data from a first field of view and receiving a second set of optical data from a second field of view. A portion of the first set of optical data is communicated and a portion of the second set of optical data is reflected, both toward an optical combiner. The optical combiner then focuses the portions onto the image plane such that information at the image plane that is associated with the first and second fields of view is received by an optical detector and used to determine an attitude characteristic.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Renner, Christoffer J.
2005-01-01
Free-space optical communication systems (also known as lasercom systems) offer several performance advantages over traditional radio frequency communication systems. These advantages include increased data rates and reduced operating power and system weight. One serious limiting factor in a lasercom system is Optical turbulence in Earth's atmosphere. This turbulence breaks up the laser beam used to transmit the information into multiple segments that interfere with each other when the beam is focused onto the receiver. This interference pattern at the receiver changes with time causing fluctuations in the received optical intensity (scintillation). Scintillation leads to intermittent losses of the signal and an overall reduction in the lasercom system's performance. Since scintillation is a coherent effect, reducing the spatial and temporal coherence of the laser beam will reduce the scintillation. Transmitting a laser beam through certain materials is thought to reduce its coherence. Materials that were tested included: sapphire, BK7 glass, fused silica and others. The spatial and temporal coherence of the laser beam was determined by examining the interference patterns (fringes) it formed when interacting with various interferometers and etalons.
High-performance parallel interface to synchronous optical network gateway
St. John, W.B.; DuBois, D.H.
1996-12-03
Disclosed is a system of sending and receiving gateways interconnects high speed data interfaces, e.g., HIPPI interfaces, through fiber optic links, e.g., a SONET network. An electronic stripe distributor distributes bytes of data from a first interface at the sending gateway onto parallel fiber optics of the fiber optic link to form transmitted data. An electronic stripe collector receives the transmitted data on the parallel fiber optics and reforms the data into a format effective for input to a second interface at the receiving gateway. Preferably, an error correcting syndrome is constructed at the sending gateway and sent with a data frame so that transmission errors can be detected and corrected in a real-time basis. Since the high speed data interface operates faster than any of the fiber optic links the transmission rate must be adapted to match the available number of fiber optic links so the sending and receiving gateways monitor the availability of fiber links and adjust the data throughput accordingly. In another aspect, the receiving gateway must have sufficient available buffer capacity to accept an incoming data frame. A credit-based flow control system provides for continuously updating the sending gateway on the available buffer capacity at the receiving gateway. 7 figs.
Coherent Optical Communications: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kikuchi, Kazuro
Coherent optical fiber communications were studied extensively in the 1980s mainly because high sensitivity of coherent receivers could elongate the unrepeated transmission distance; however, their research and development have been interrupted for nearly 20 years behind the rapid progress in high-capacity wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems using erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). In 2005, the demonstration of digital carrier phase estimation in coherent receivers has stimulated a widespread interest in coherent optical communications again. This is due to the fact that the digital coherent receiver enables us to employ a variety of spectrally efficient modulation formats such as M-ary phase-shift keying (PSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) without relying upon a rather complicated optical phase-locked loop. In addition, since the phase information is preserved after detection, we can realize electrical post-processing functions such as compensation for chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode dispersion in the digital domain. These advantages of the born-again coherent receiver have enormous potential for innovating existing optical communication systems. In this chapter, after reviewing the 20-year history of coherent optical communication systems, we describe the principle of operation of coherent detection, the concept of the digital coherent receiver, and its performance evaluation. Finally, challenges for the future are summarized.
System concepts and design examples for optical communication with planetary spacecraft
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lesh, James R.
Systems concepts for optical communication with future deep-space (planetary) spacecraft are described. These include not only the optical transceiver package aboard the distant spacecraft, but the earth-vicinity optical-communications receiving station as well. Both ground-based, and earth-orbiting receivers are considered. Design examples for a number of proposed or potential deep-space missions are then presented. These include an orbital mission to Saturn, a Lander and Rover mission to Mars, and an astronomical mission to a distance of 1000 astronomical units.
High temperature, minimally invasive optical sensing modules
Riza, Nabeel Agha [Oviedo, FL; Perez, Frank [Tujunga, CA
2008-02-05
A remote temperature sensing system includes a light source selectively producing light at two different wavelengths and a sensor device having an optical path length that varies as a function of temperature. The sensor receives light emitted by the light source and redirects the light along the optical path length. The system also includes a detector receiving redirected light from the sensor device and generating respective signals indicative of respective intensities of received redirected light corresponding to respective wavelengths of light emitted by the light source. The system also includes a processor processing the signals generated by the detector to calculate a temperature of the device.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wasiczko, Linda M.; Smolyaninov, Igor I.; Davis, Christopher C.
2004-01-01
Free space optics (FSO) is one solution to the bandwidth bottleneck resulting from increased demand for broadband access. It is well known that atmospheric turbulence distorts the wavefront of a laser beam propagating through the atmosphere. This research investigates methods of reducing the effects of intensity scintillation and beam wander on the performance of free space optical communication systems, by characterizing system enhancement using either aperture averaging techniques or nonimaging optics. Compound Parabolic Concentrators, nonimaging optics made famous by Winston and Welford, are inexpensive elements that may be easily integrated into intensity modulation-direct detection receivers to reduce fading caused by beam wander and spot breakup in the focal plane. Aperture averaging provides a methodology to show the improvement of a given receiver aperture diameter in averaging out the optical scintillations over the received wavefront.
Active polarization imaging system based on optical heterodyne balanced receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Qian; Sun, Jianfeng; Lu, Zhiyong; Zhou, Yu; Luan, Zhu; Hou, Peipei; Liu, liren
2017-08-01
Active polarization imaging technology has recently become the hot research field all over the world, which has great potential application value in the military and civil area. By introducing active light source, the Mueller matrix of the target can be calculated according to the incident light and the emitted or reflected light. Compared with conventional direct detection technology, optical heterodyne detection technology have higher receiving sensitivities, which can obtain the whole amplitude, frequency and phase information of the signal light. In this paper, an active polarization imaging system will be designed. Based on optical heterodyne balanced receiver, the system can acquire the horizontal and vertical polarization of reflected optical field simultaneously, which contain the polarization characteristic of the target. Besides, signal to noise ratio and imaging distance can be greatly improved.
Development of Optical System for ARGO-M
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nah, Jakyoung; Jang, Jung-Guen; Jang, Bi-Ho; Han, In-Woo; Han, Jeong-Yeol; Park, Kwijong; Lim, Hyung-Chul; Yu, Sung-Yeol; Park, Eunseo; Seo, Yoon-Kyung; Moon, Il-Kwon; Choi, Byung-Kyu; Na, Eunjoo; Nam, Uk-Won
2013-03-01
ARGO-M is a satellite laser ranging (SLR) system developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute with the consideration of mobility and daytime and nighttime satellite observation. The ARGO-M optical system consists of 40 cm receiving telescope, 10 cm transmitting telescope, and detecting optics. For the development of ARGO-M optical system, the structural analysis was performed with regard to the optics and optomechanics design and the optical components. To ensure the optical performance, the quality was tested at the level of parts using the laser interferometer and ultra-high-precision measuring instruments. The assembly and alignment of ARGO-M optical system were conducted at an auto-collimation facility. As the transmission and reception are separated in the ARGO-M optical system, the pointing alignment between the transmitting telescope and receiving telescope is critical for precise target pointing. Thus, the alignment using the ground target and the radiant point observation of transmitting laser beam was carried out, and the lines of sight for the two telescopes were aligned within the required pointing precision. This paper describes the design, structural analysis, manufacture and assembly of parts, and entire process related with the alignment for the ARGO-M optical system.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nekoogar, Faranak; Reynolds, Matthew; Lefton, Scott
A secure passive RFID tag system comprises at least one base station and at least one passive RFID tag. The tag includes a fiber optic cable with the cable ends sealed within the tag and the middle portion forming an external loop. The loop may be secured to at least portions of an object. The tag transmits and receives an optical signal through the fiber optic cable, and the cable is configured to be damaged or broken in response to removal or tampering attempts, wherein the optical signal is significantly altered if the cable is damaged or broken. The tagmore » transmits the optical signal in response to receiving a radio signal from the base station and compares the transmitted optical signal to the received optical signal. If the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal are identical, the tag transmits an affirmative radio signal to the base station.« less
Acoustic-optic spectrometer. 1: Noise contributions and system consideration
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chin, G.
1984-01-01
An acousto-optic spectrometer (AOS) used as an IF spectrometer to a heterodyne receiver is modeled as a total power multi-channel integrating receiver. Systematic noise contributions common to all total power, time integrating receivers, as well as noise terms unique to the use of optical elements and photo-detectors in an AOS are identified and discussed. In addition, degradation of signal-to-noise ratio of an unbalanced Dicke receiver compared to a balanced Dicke receiver is found to be due to gain calibration processing and is not an instrumental effect.
Note: optical receiver system for 152-channel magnetoencephalography.
Kim, Jin-Mok; Kwon, Hyukchan; Yu, Kwon-kyu; Lee, Yong-Ho; Kim, Kiwoong
2014-11-01
An optical receiver system composing 13 serial data restore/synchronizer modules and a single module combiner converted optical 32-bit serial data into 32-bit synchronous parallel data for a computer to acquire 152-channel magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals. A serial data restore/synchronizer module identified 32-bit channel-voltage bits from 48-bit streaming serial data, and then consecutively reproduced 13 times of 32-bit serial data, acting in a synchronous clock. After selecting a single among 13 reproduced data in each module, a module combiner converted it into 32-bit parallel data, which were carried to 32-port digital input board in a computer. When the receiver system together with optical transmitters were applied to 152-channel superconducting quantum interference device sensors, this MEG system maintained a field noise level of 3 fT/√Hz @ 100 Hz at a sample rate of 1 kSample/s per channel.
Optical-communication systems for deep-space applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vilnrotter, V. A.; Gagliardi, R. M.
1980-01-01
The feasibility of using optical communication systems for data telemetry from deep space vehicles to Earth based receivers is evaluated. Performance analysis shows that practical, photon counting optical systems can transmit data reliably at 30 to 40 dB high rates than existing RF systems, or can be used to extend the communication range by 15 to 20 dB. The advantages of pulse-position modulation (PPM) formats are discussed, and photon counting receiver structures designed for PPM decoding are described. The effects of background interference and weather on receiver performance are evaluated. Some consideration is given to tracking and beam pointing operations, since system performance ultimately depends on the accuracy to which these operations can be carried out. An example of a tracking and pointing system utilizing an optical uplink beacon is presented, and it is shown that microradian beam pointing is within the capabilities of state-of-the-art technology. Recommendations for future theoretical studies and component development programs are presented.
Highly sensitive LIDAR with a thumb-sized sensor-head built using an optical fiber preamplifier (3)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Inoue, Daisuke; Ichikawa, Tadashi; Matsubara, Hiroyuki; Kagami, Manabu
2013-05-01
We have developed a LIDAR system with a sensor head which, although it includes a scanning mechanism, is less than 20 cc in size. The system is not only small, but is also highly sensitive. Our LIDAR system is based on time-of-flight measurements, and incorporates an optical fiber. The main feature of our system is the utilization of optical amplifiers for both the transmitter and the receiver, and the optical amplifiers enable us to exceed the detection limit set by thermal noise. In conventional LIDAR systems the detection limit is determined by the thermal noise, because the avalanche photo-diodes (APD) and trans-impedance amplifiers (TIA) that they use detect the received signals directly. In the case of our LIDAR system, the received signal is amplified by an optical fiber amplifier before reaching the photo diode and the TIA. Therefore, our LIDAR system boosts the signal level before the weak incoming signal is depleted by thermal noise. There are conditions under which the noise figure for the combination of an optical fiber amplifier and a photo diode is superior to the noise figure for an avalanche photo diode. We optimized the gains of the optical fiber amplifier and the TIA in our LIDAR system such that it would be capable of detecting a single photon. As a result, the detection limit of our system is determined by shot noise. We have previously demonstrated scanning up to a range of 80 m with this LIDAR system with a 2 mm diameter of receiving lens. We improved the optical amplifier and the peak output power of LIDAR was over 10KW. We redesigned the sensor-head and improved coupling efficiency. As a result, we succeeded in scanning over a range of 100 m. This small and highly sensitive measurement technology shows great potential for use in LIDAR.
W-band radio-over-fiber propagation of two optically encoded wavelength channels
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Eghbal, Morad Khosravi; Shadaram, Mehdi
2018-01-01
We propose a W-band wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)-over-optical code-division multiple access radio-over-fiber system. This system offers capacity expansion by increasing the working frequency to millimeter wave region and by introducing optical encoding and multiwavelength multiplexing. The system's functionality is investigated by software modeling, and the results are presented. The generated signals are data modulated at 10 Gb/s and optically encoded for two wavelength channels and transmitted with a 20-km length of fiber. The received signals are optically decoded and detected. Also, encoding has improved the bit error rate (BER) versus the received optical power margin for the WDM setting by about 4 dB. In addition, the eye-diagram shows that the difference between received optical power levels at the BER of 10-12 to 10-3 is about 1.3% between two encoded channels. This method of capacity improvement is significantly important for the next generation of mobile communication, where millimeter wave signals will be widely used to deliver data to small cells.
Receiver bandwidth effects on complex modulation and detection using directly modulated lasers.
Yuan, Feng; Che, Di; Shieh, William
2016-05-01
Directly modulated lasers (DMLs) have long been employed for short- and medium-reach optical communications due to their low cost. Recently, a new modulation scheme called complex modulated DMLs has been demonstrated showing a significant optical signal to noise ratio sensitivity enhancement compared with the traditional intensity-only detection scheme. However, chirp-induced optical spectrum broadening is inevitable in complex modulated systems, which may imply a need for high-bandwidth receivers. In this Letter, we study the impact of receiver bandwidth effects on the performance of complex modulation and coherent detection systems based on DMLs. We experimentally demonstrate that such systems exhibit a reasonable tolerance for the reduced receiver bandwidth. For 10 Gbaud 4-level pulse amplitude modulation signals, the required electrical bandwidth is as low as 8.5 and 7.5 GHz for 7% and 20% forward error correction, respectively. Therefore, it is feasible to realize DML-based complex modulated systems using cost-effective receivers with narrow bandwidth.
WDM hybrid microoptical transceiver with Bragg volume grating
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jeřábek, Vitezslav; Armas, Julio; Mareš, David; Prajzler, Václav
2012-02-01
The paper presents the design, simulation and construction results of the wavelength division multiplex bidirectional transceiver module (WDM transceiver) for the passive optical network (PON) of a fiber to the home (FTTH) topology network. WDM transceiver uses a microoptical hybrid integration technology with volume holographic Bragg grating triplex filter -VHGT and a collimation lenses imagine system for wavelength multiplexing/ demultiplexing. This transmission type VHGT filter has high diffraction angle, very low insertion loses and optical crosstalk, which guide to very good technical parameters of transceiver module. WDM transceiver has been constructed using system of a four micromodules in the new circle topology. The optical micromodule with VHGT filter and collimation and decollimation lenses, two optoelectronics microwave receiver micromodules for receiving download information (internet and digital TV signals) and optoelectronic transmitter micromodule for transmitting upload information. In the paper is presented the optical analysis of the optical imagine system by ray-transfer matrix. We compute and measure VHGT characteristics such as diffraction angle, diffraction efficiency and diffraction crosstalk of the optical system for 1310, 1490 and 1550 nm wavelength radiation. For the design of optoelectronic receiver micromodule was used the low signal electrical equivalent circuit for the dynamic performance signal analysis. In the paper is presented the planar form WDM transceiver with polymer optical waveguides and two stage interference demultiplexing optical filter as well.
WDM hybrid microoptical transceiver with Bragg volume grating
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jeřábek, Vitezslav; Armas, Julio; Mareš, David; Prajzler, Václav
2011-09-01
The paper presents the design, simulation and construction results of the wavelength division multiplex bidirectional transceiver module (WDM transceiver) for the passive optical network (PON) of a fiber to the home (FTTH) topology network. WDM transceiver uses a microoptical hybrid integration technology with volume holographic Bragg grating triplex filter -VHGT and a collimation lenses imagine system for wavelength multiplexing/ demultiplexing. This transmission type VHGT filter has high diffraction angle, very low insertion loses and optical crosstalk, which guide to very good technical parameters of transceiver module. WDM transceiver has been constructed using system of a four micromodules in the new circle topology. The optical micromodule with VHGT filter and collimation and decollimation lenses, two optoelectronics microwave receiver micromodules for receiving download information (internet and digital TV signals) and optoelectronic transmitter micromodule for transmitting upload information. In the paper is presented the optical analysis of the optical imagine system by ray-transfer matrix. We compute and measure VHGT characteristics such as diffraction angle, diffraction efficiency and diffraction crosstalk of the optical system for 1310, 1490 and 1550 nm wavelength radiation. For the design of optoelectronic receiver micromodule was used the low signal electrical equivalent circuit for the dynamic performance signal analysis. In the paper is presented the planar form WDM transceiver with polymer optical waveguides and two stage interference demultiplexing optical filter as well.
[System design of open-path natural gas leakage detection based on Fresnel lens].
Xia, Hui; Liu, Wen-Qing; Zhang, Yu-Jun; Kan, Rui-Feng; Cui, Yi-Ben; Wang, Min; He, Ying; Cui, Xiao-Juan; Ruan, Jun; Geng, Hui
2009-03-01
Based on the technology of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) in conjunction with second harmonic wave detection, a long open-path TDLAS system using a 1.65 microm InGaAsP distributed feedback laser was developed, which is used for detecting pipeline leakage. In this system, a high cost performance Fresnel lens is used as the receiving optical system, which receives the laser-beam reflected by a solid corner cube reflector, and focuses the receiving laser-beam to the InGaAs detector. At the same time, the influences of the concentration to the fluctuation of light intensity were taken into account in the process of measurement, and were eliminated by the method of normalized light intensity. As a result, the measurement error caused by the fluctuation of light intensity was made less than 1%. The experiment of natural gas leakage detection was simulated, and the detection sensitivity is 0.1 x 10(-6) (ratio by volume) with a total path of 320 m. According to the receiving light efficiency of the optical system and the detectable minimum light intensity of the detector, the detectable maximal optical path of the system was counted to be 2 000 m. The results of experiment show that it is a feasible design to use the Fresnel lens as the receiving optical system and can satisfy the demand of the leakage detection of natural gas.
Automated alignment system for optical wireless communication systems using image recognition.
Brandl, Paul; Weiss, Alexander; Zimmermann, Horst
2014-07-01
In this Letter, we describe the realization of a tracked line-of-sight optical wireless communication system for indoor data distribution. We built a laser-based transmitter with adaptive focus and ray steering by a microelectromechanical systems mirror. To execute the alignment procedure, we used a CMOS image sensor at the transmitter side and developed an algorithm for image recognition to localize the receiver's position. The receiver is based on a self-developed optoelectronic integrated chip with low requirements on the receiver optics to make the system economically attractive. With this system, we were able to set up the communication link automatically without any back channel and to perform error-free (bit error rate <10⁻⁹) data transmission over a distance of 3.5 m with a data rate of 3 Gbit/s.
Preliminary photovoltaic arc-fault prognostic tests using sacrificial fiber optic cabling.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Johnson, Jay Dean; Blemel, Kenneth D.; Peter, Francis
2013-02-01
Through the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program, Sandia National Laboratories worked with Sentient Business Systems, Inc. to develop and test a novel photovoltaic (PV) arc-fault detection system. The system operates by pairing translucent polymeric fiber optic sensors with electrical circuitry so that any external abrasion to the system or internal heating causes the fiber optic connection to fail or detectably degrade. A periodic pulse of light is sent through the optical path using a transmitter-receiver pair. If the receiver does not detect the pulse, an alarm is sounded and the PV system can be de-energized. This technology has themore » unique ability to prognostically determine impending failures to the electrical system in two ways: (a) the optical connection is severed prior to physical abrasion or cutting of PV DC electrical conductors, and (b) the polymeric fiber optic cable melts via Joule heating before an arc-fault is established through corrosion. Three arc-faults were created in different configurations found in PV systems with the integrated fiber optic system to determine the feasibility of the technology. In each case, the fiber optic cable was broken and the system annunciated the fault.« less
Highly sensitive lidar with a thumb-sized sensor-head built using an optical fiber preamplifier
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Inoue, Daisuke; Ichikawa, Tadashi; Matsubara, Hiroyuki; Mao, Xueon; Maeda, Mitsutoshi; Nagashima, Chie; Kagami, Manabu
2011-06-01
We developed a LIDAR system with a sensor head as small as 22 cc, in spite of the inclusion of a scanning mechanism. This LIDAR system not only has a small body, but is also highly sensitive. Our LIDAR system is based on time-of-flight measurements, and it incorporates an optical fiber. The main feature of our system is the utilization of optical amplifiers for both the transmitter and the receiver, and the optical amplifiers enabled us to exceed the detection limit of thermal noise. In conventional LIDAR systems the detection limit is determined by thermal noise, because the avalanche photo-diodes (APD) and trans-impedance amplifiers (TIA) that they use detect the received signals directly. In the case of our LIDAR system, received signal is amplified by an optical fiber amplifier in front of the photo diode and the TIA. Therefore, our LIDAR system can boost the signal level before the weak incoming signal is depleted by thermal noise. There are conditions under which the noise figure for the combination of an optical fiber amplifier and a photo diode is superior to the noise figure for an avalanche photo diode. We optimized the gain of the optical fiber amplifier and TIA in our LIDAR system such that it is capable of detecting a single photon. As a result, the detection limit of our LIDAR system is determined by shot noise. This small and highly sensitive measurement technology shows great potential for use in LIDAR with an optical preamplifier.
Polarization-independent optical wavelength filter for channel dropping applications
Deri, R.J.; Patterson, F.
1996-05-07
The polarization dependence of optical wavelength filters is eliminated by using waveguide directional couplers. Material birefringence is used to compensate for the waveguide (electromagnetic) birefringence which is the original cause of the polarization dependence. Material birefringence is introduced in a controllable fashion by replacing bulk waveguide layers by finely layered composites, such as multiple quantum wells using III-V semiconductor materials. The filter has use in wavelength-division multiplexed fiber optic communication systems. This filter has broad application for wavelength-tunable receivers in fiber optic communication links, which may be used for telecommunications, optical computer interconnect links, or fiber optic sensor systems. Since multiple-wavelength systems are increasingly being used for all of these applications, the filter is useable whenever a rapidly tunable, wavelength-filtering receiver is required. 14 figs.
Polarization-independent optical wavelength filter for channel dropping applications
Deri, Robert J.; Patterson, Frank
1996-01-01
The polarization dependence of optical wavelength filters is eliminated by using waveguide directional couplers. Material birefringence is used to compensate for the waveguide (electromagnetic) birefringence which is the original cause of the polarization dependence. Material birefringence is introduced in a controllable fashion by replacing bulk waveguide layers by finely layered composites, such as multiple quantum wells using III-V semiconductor materials. The filter has use in wavelength-division-multiplexed fiber optic communication systems. This filter has broad application for wavelength-tunable receivers in fiber optic communication links, which may be used for telecommunications, optical computer interconnect links, or fiber optic sensor systems. Since multiple-wavelength systems are increasingly being used for all of these applications, the filter is useable whenever a rapidly tunable, wavelength-filtering receiver is required.
Optical system for high resolution spectrometer/monochromator
Hettrick, Michael C.; Underwood, James H.
1988-01-01
An optical system for use in a spectrometer or monochromator employing a mirror which reflects electromagnetic radiation from a source to converge with same in a plane. A straight grooved, varied-spaced diffraction grating receives the converging electromagnetic radiation from the mirror and produces a spectral image for capture by a detector, target or like receiver.
Robust optical wireless links over turbulent media using diversity solutions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Moradi, Hassan
Free-space optic (FSO) technology, i.e., optical wireless communication (OWC), is widely recognized as superior to radio frequency (RF) in many aspects. Visible and invisible optical wireless links solve first/last mile connectivity problems and provide secure, jam-free communication. FSO is license-free and delivers high-speed data rates in the order of Gigabits. Its advantages have fostered significant research efforts aimed at utilizing optical wireless communication, e.g. visible light communication (VLC), for high-speed, secure, indoor communication under the IEEE 802.15.7 standard. However, conventional optical wireless links demand precise optical alignment and suffer from atmospheric turbulence. When compared with RF, they suffer a low degree of reliability and lack robustness. Pointing errors cause optical transceiver misalignment, adversely affecting system reliability. Furthermore, atmospheric turbulence causes irradiance fluctuations and beam broadening of transmitted light. Innovative solutions to overcome limitations on the exploitation of high-speed optical wireless links are greatly needed. Spatial diversity is known to improve RF wireless communication systems. Similar diversity approaches can be adapted for FSO systems to improve its reliability and robustness; however, careful diversity design is needed since FSO apertures typically remain unbalanced as a result of FSO system sensitivity to misalignment. Conventional diversity combining schemes require persistent aperture monitoring and repetitive switching, thus increasing FSO implementation complexities. Furthermore, current RF diversity combining schemes may not be optimized to address the issue of unbalanced FSO receiving apertures. This dissertation investigates two efficient diversity combining schemes for multi-receiving FSO systems: switched diversity combining and generalized selection combining. Both can be exploited to reduce complexity and improve combining efficiency. Unlike maximum ratio combing, equal gain combining, and selective combining, switched diversity simplifies receiver design by avoiding unnecessary switching among receiving apertures. The most significant advantage of generalized combining is its ability to exclude apertures with low quality that could potentially affect the resultant output signal performance. This dissertation also investigates mobile FSO by considering a multi-receiving system in which all receiving FSO apertures are circularly placed on a platform. System mobility and performance are analyzed. Performance results confirm improvements when using angular diversity and generalized selection combining. The precis of this dissertation establishes the foundation of reliable FSO communications using efficient diversity-based solutions. Performance parameters are analyzed mathematically, and then evaluated using computer simulations. A testbed prototype is developed to facilitate the evaluation of optical wireless links via lab experiments.
Schmitt, Randal L [Tijeras, NM; Henson, Tammy D [Albuquerque, NM; Krumel, Leslie J [Cedar Crest, NM; Hargis, Jr., Philip J.
2006-06-20
A method to determine the alignment of the transmitter and receiver fields of view of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. This method can be employed to determine the far-field intensity distribution of the transmitter beam, as well as the variations in transmitted laser beam pointing as a function of time, temperature, or other environmental variables that may affect the co-alignment of the LIDAR system components. In order to achieve proper alignment of the transmitter and receiver optical systems when a LIDAR system is being used in the field, this method employs a laser-beam-position-sensing detector as an integral part of the receiver optics of the LIDAR system.
Brown, Andrea M; Hahn, Daniel V; Brown, David M; Rolander, Nathan W; Bair, Chun-Huei; Sluz, Joseph E
2012-06-20
A gimbal-free wide field-of-regard (FOR) optical receiver has been built in a laboratory setting for proof-of-concept testing. Multiple datasets are presented that examine the overall FOR of the system and the receiver's ability to track and collect a signal from a moving source. The design is not intended to compete with traditional free space optical communication systems, but rather offer an alternative design that minimizes the number and complexity of mechanical components required at the surface of a small mobile platform. The receiver is composed of a micro-lens array and hexagonal bundles of large core optical fibers that route the optical signal to remote detectors and electronics. Each fiber in the bundle collects power from a distinct solid angle of space and a piezo-electric transducer is used to translate the micro-lens array and optimize coupling into a given fiber core in the bundle. The micro-lens to fiber bundle design is scalable, modular, and can be replicated in an array to increase aperture size.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Natarajan, Suresh; Gardner, C. S.
1987-01-01
Receiver timing synchronization of an optical Pulse-Position Modulation (PPM) communication system can be achieved using a phased-locked loop (PLL), provided the photodetector output is suitably processed. The magnitude of the PLL phase error is a good indicator of the timing error at the receiver decoder. The statistics of the phase error are investigated while varying several key system parameters such as PPM order, signal and background strengths, and PPL bandwidth. A practical optical communication system utilizing a laser diode transmitter and an avalanche photodiode in the receiver is described, and the sampled phase error data are presented. A linear regression analysis is applied to the data to obtain estimates of the relational constants involving the phase error variance and incident signal power.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Davidson, Frederic M.; Sun, Xiaoli
1993-01-01
One of the major sources of noise in a direct detection optical communication receiver is the shot noise due to the quantum nature of the photodetector. The shot noise is signal dependent and is neither Gaussian nor wide sense stationary. When a photomultiplier tube (PMT) or an avalanche photodiode (APD) is used, there is also a multiplicative excess noise due to the randomness of the internal photodetector gain. Generally speaking, the radio frequency (RF) communication theory cannot be applied to direct detection optical communication systems because noise in RF communication systems is usually additive and Gaussian. A receiver structure which is mathematically optimal for signal dependent shot noise is derived. Several suboptimal receiver structures are discussed and compared with the optimal receiver. The objective is to find a receiver structure which is easy to implement and gives close to optimal performance.
Tsunashima, Satoshi; Nakajima, Fumito; Nasu, Yusuke; Kasahara, Ryoichi; Nakanishi, Yasuhiko; Saida, Takashi; Yamada, Takashi; Sano, Kimikazu; Hashimoto, Toshikazu; Fukuyama, Hiroyuki; Nosaka, Hideaki; Murata, Koichi
2012-11-19
We demonstrate a compact and variable-optical-attenuator (VOA) integrated coherent receiver with a silica-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC). To realize the compact receiver, we integrate a VOA in a single PLC chip with polarization beam splitters and optical 90-degree hybrids, and employ a stable optoelectronic coupling system consisting of micro lens arrays and photodiode (PD) subcarriers with high-speed right-angled signal lines. We integrate a VOA and a coherent receiver in a 27x40x6 mm package, and successfully demodulate a 128-Gbit/s polarization division multiplexed (PDM) quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signal with a VOA-assisted wide dynamic range of more than 30 dB.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhou, Shudao; Ma, Zhongliang; Wang, Min; Peng, Shuling
2018-05-01
This paper proposes a novel alignment system based on the measurement of optical path using a light beam scanning mode in a transmissometer. The system controls both the probe beam and the receiving field of view while scanning in two vertical directions. The system then calculates the azimuth angle of the transmitter and the receiver to determine the precise alignment of the optical path. Experiments show that this method can determine the alignment angles in less than 10 min with errors smaller than 66 μrad in the azimuth. This system also features high collimation precision, process automation and simple installation.
Optical system for high resolution spectrometer/monochromator
Hettrick, M.C.; Underwood, J.H.
1988-10-11
An optical system for use in a spectrometer or monochromator employing a mirror which reflects electromagnetic radiation from a source to converge with same in a plane is disclosed. A straight grooved, varied-spaced diffraction grating receives the converging electromagnetic radiation from the mirror and produces a spectral image for capture by a detector, target or like receiver. 11 figs.
Fiber-coupling efficiency for free-space optical communication through atmospheric turbulence.
Dikmelik, Yamaç; Davidson, Frederic M
2005-08-10
High-speed free-space optical communication systems have recently used fiber-optic components. The received laser beam in such a system must be coupled into a single-mode fiber at the input of the receiver module. However, propagation through atmospheric turbulence degrades the spatial coherence of a laser beam and limits the fiber-coupling efficiency. We numerically evaluate the fiber-coupling efficiency for laser light distorted by atmospheric turbulence. We also investigate the use of a coherent fiber array as a receiver structure and find that a coherent fiber array that consists of seven subapertures would significantly increase the fiber-coupling efficiency.
Design of the optical system for FSO access
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Xiaojing; Yuan, Xiuhua; Huang, Dexiu
2002-08-01
Free space optics (FSO) is attractive for the 'last mile' communication in recent years for many combining advantages of fiber communication and other wireless technologies. FSO can provide high data rate with low power consumption, high immunity to interference, convenient deployment and flexibility. Optical system is an important section in the FSO transceiver terminal. In this paper the design of optical system based on a single Galileo telescope for both transmit and receive is proposed, and a polarization beam splitter is adopted to apart the receiving light from transmitting light. The configuration can avoid interference from the retroreflecting light of the ocular effectively. Some factors that affect the performance of the optical system are analyzed, such as the geometrical spreading loss and the loss increment according to pointing error and telescope maladjustment. Power budget shows that the system can satisfy the need of access for 1km in the light fog, and 2km in the thin fog.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Heine, Frank; Saucke, Karen; Troendle, Daniel; Motzigemba, Matthias; Bischl, Hermann; Elser, Dominique; Marquardt, Christoph; Henninger, Hennes; Meyer, Rolf; Richter, Ines; Sodnik, Zoran
2017-02-01
Optical ground stations can be an alternative to radio frequency based transmit (forward) and receive (return) systems for data relay services and other applications including direct to earth optical communications from low earth orbit spacecrafts, deep space receivers, space based quantum key distribution systems and Tbps capacity feeder links to geostationary spacecrafts. The Tesat Transportable Adaptive Optical Ground Station is operational since September 2015 at the European Space Agency site in Tenerife, Spain.. This paper reports about the results of the 2016 experimental campaigns including the characterization of the optical channel from Tenerife for an optimized coding scheme, the performance of the T-AOGS under different atmospheric conditions and the first successful measurements of the suitability of the Alphasat LCT optical downlink performance for future continuous variable quantum key distribution systems.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grove, C. H.; Phillips, R. L.; Wojtasinski, R. J.
1975-01-01
A lightning instrumentation system was designed to record current magnitudes of lightning strikes that hit a launch pad service structure at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The instrumentation system consists of a lightning ground rod with a current sensor coil, an optical transmitter, an optical fiber cable link, a detector receiver, and a recording system. The transmitter is a wideband pulse transformer driving an IR LED emitter. The transmitter operates linearly as a transducer. A low loss fiber bundle provides isolation of the recorder system from the electromagnetic field of the lightning strike. The output of an optical detector receiver module is sampled and recorded in digital format. The significant factors considered in the design were dynamic range, linearity, mechanical configuration, electromagnetic isolation, and temperature compensation.
Modeling of Adaptive Optics-Based Free-Space Communications Systems
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wilks, S C; Morris, J R; Brase, J M
2002-08-06
We introduce a wave-optics based simulation code written for air-optic laser communications links, that includes a detailed model of an adaptive optics compensation system. We present the results obtained by this model, where the phase of a communications laser beam is corrected, after it propagates through a turbulent atmosphere. The phase of the received laser beam is measured using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, and the correction method utilizes a MEMS mirror. Strehl improvement and amount of power coupled to the receiving fiber for both 1 km horizontal and 28 km slant paths are presented.
Covert laser remote sensing and vibrometry
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Maleki, Lutfollah (Inventor); Yu, Nan (Inventor); Matsko, Andrey B. (Inventor); Savchenkov, Anatoliy (Inventor)
2012-01-01
Designs of single-beam laser vibrometry systems and methods. For example, a method for detecting vibrations of a target based on optical sensing is provided to include operating a laser to produce a laser probe beam at a laser frequency and modulated at a modulation frequency onto a target; collecting light at or near the laser to collect light from the target while the target is being illuminated by the laser probe beam through an optical receiver aperture; using a narrow-band optical filter centered at the laser frequency to filter light collected from the optical receiver aperture to transmit light at the laser frequency while blocking light at other frequencies; using an optical detector to convert filtered light from the narrow-band optical filter to produce a receiver electrical signal; using a lock-in amplifier to detect and amplify the receiver electrical signal at the modulation frequency while rejecting signal components at other frequencies to produce an amplified receiver electrical signal; processing the amplified receiver electrical signal to extract information on vibrations of the target carried by reflected laser probe beam in the collected light; and controlling optical power of the laser probe beam at the target to follow optical power of background illumination at the target.
Systems and methods for enhancing optical information
DeVore, Peter Thomas Setsuda; Chou, Jason T.
2018-01-02
An Optical Information Transfer Enhancer System includes a first system for producing an information bearing first optical wave that is impressed with a first information having a first information strength wherein the first optical wave has a first shape. A second system produces a second optical wave. An information strength enhancer module receives the first and said second optical waves and impresses the first optical wave upon the second optical wave via cross-phase modulation (XPM) to produce an information-strength-enhanced second optical wave having a second information strength that is greater than the first information strength of the first optical wave. Following a center-wavelength changer by an Optical Information Transfer Enhancer System improves its performance.
High frequency optical communications; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cambridge, MA, Sept. 23, 24, 1986
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ramer, O. Glenn; Sierak, Paul
Topics discussed in this volume include systems and applications, detectors, sources, and coherent communications. Papers are presented on RF fiber optic links for avionics applications, fiber optics and optoelectronics for radar and electronic warfare applications, symmetric coplanar electrodes for high-speed Ti:LiNbO3 devices, and surface wave electrooptic modulator. Attention is given to X-band RF fiber-optic links, fiber-optic links for microwave signal transmission, GaAs monolithic receiver and laser driver for GHz transmission rates, and monolithically integrable high-speed photodetectors. Additional papers are on irregular and chaotic behavior of semiconductor lasers under modulation, high-frequency laser package for microwave optical communications, receiver modeling for coherent light wave communications, and polarization sensors and controllers for coherent optical communication systems.
Wireless optical transceiver design, link analisys and alignment control for mobile communication
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhou, Dayong
Pointing, acquisition and tracking of a free-space optical node in a mobile network experiencing misalignment due to adverse factors including vibration, motion and atmospheric turbulence requires a different approach than traditional free-space optical transceivers. A recent fiber-bundle approach for beam steering at the transmitter was investigated to provide continuous beam coverage at the receiver without the application of mechanical devices. Utilizing multiple fibers-lenses sets at the receiver was also proposed to enhance the tolerance of optical link misalignment. In this work, both laboratory experiments and software simulation were implemented to evaluate the optical link performance for different fiber-bundle-based transceiver setups as the link parameters were varied. The performance was evaluated in terms of the coverage area at the receiver, which is a measure of misalignment tolerance and is dependent not only on wavelength but on other key parameters such as link length, transmitted power, the pattern of transmitters, beam divergence, and the receiver construction. The results showed that fiber-bindle-based transceivers reveal significant potential to maximize the up time of the link, and the results also provide guidance on the further development of the overall system. To incorporate the proposed transceiver designs, an alignment control system was developed and evaluated as well. The laboratory results show that the optical control system successfully recovered and maintained the link while the receiver was in motion and the signal coverage at the target area was enhanced significantly.
Hemispherical Optical Dome for Underwater Communication
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shiri, Ron S.; Lunde, Emily L.; Coronado, Patrick L.; Quijada, Manuel A.
2017-01-01
For many years, acoustic systems have been used as the primary method for underwater communication; however, the data transfer rate of such systems is low because sound propagates slowly through the water. A higher throughput can be achieved using visible light to transmit data underwater. The first issue with using this approach is that there is generally a large loss of the light signal due to scattering and absorption in water even though there is an optimal wavelength for transmission in the blue or green wavelengths of the visible spectrum. The second issue is that a simple system consisting only of a highly directional source transmitter and small optical detector receiver has a very narrow field of view. The goal of this project is to improve an optical, underwater communication system by increasing the effective field of view of the receiving optics. To this end, we make two changes to the simple system: (1) An optical dome was added near the receiver. An array of lenses is placed radially on the surface of the dome, reminiscent of the compound eye of an insect. The lenses make the source and detector planes conjugate, and each lens adds a new region of the source plane to the instrument's total field of view. (2) The receiver was expanded to include multiple photodiodes. With these two changes, the receiver has much more tolerance to misalignments (in position and angle) of the transmitter.Two versions of the optical dome (with 6 and 8 diameters) were designed using the CREO CAD software and modeled using the CODE V optical design software. A series of these transparent hemispherical domes, with both design diameters, were manufactured using a 5-axis mill. The prototype was then retrofitted with lenses and compared with the computer-generated model to demonstrate the effectiveness of this solution. This work shows the dome design improves the optical field of view of the underwater communication system considerably. Furthermore, with the experimental test results, a geometric optimization model was derived providing insights to the design performance limits.
Hemispherical optical dome for underwater communication
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shiri, Ron S.; Lunde, Emily L.; Coronado, Patrick L.; Quijada, Manuel A.
2017-08-01
For many years, acoustic systems have been used as the primary method for underwater communication; however, the data transfer rate of such systems is low because sound propagates slowly through water. A higher throughput can be achieved using visible light to transmit data underwater. The first issue with this approach is that there is generally a large loss of the light signal due to scattering and absorption in water, even though there is an optimal wavelength for transmission in the blue or green wavelengths of the visible spectrum. The second issue is that a simple communication system, consisting only of a highly directional source/transmitter and small optical detector/receiver, has a very narrow field of view. The goal of this project is to improve an optical, underwater communication system by increasing the effective field of view of the receiving optics. To this end, we make two changes to the simple system: (1) An optical dome was added near the receiver. An array of lenses is placed radially on the surface of the dome, reminiscent of the compound eye of an insect. The lenses make the source and detector planes conjugate, and each lens adds a new region of the source plane to the instrument's total field of view. (2) The receiver was expanded to include multiple photodiodes. With these two changes, the receiver has much more tolerance to misalignments (in position and angle) of the transmitter. Two versions of the optical dome (with 6" and 8" diameters) were designed using PTC's Creo CAD software and modeled using Synopsys' CODE V optical design software. A series of these transparent hemispherical domes, with both design diameters, were manufactured using a 5-axis mill. The prototype was then retrofitted with lenses and compared with the computer-generated model to demonstrate the effectiveness of this solution. This work shows that the dome design improves the optical field of view of the underwater communication system considerably. Furthermore, with the experimental test results, a geometric optimization model was derived providing insights to the design performance limits.
Hemispherical Optical Dome for Underwater Communication
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shiri, Ron S.; Lunde, Emily L.; Coronado, Patrick L.; Quijada, Manuel A.
2017-01-01
For many years, acoustic systems have been used as the primary method for underwater communication; however, the data transfer rate of such systems is low because sound propagates slowly through the water. A higher throughput can be achieved using visible light to transmit data underwater. The first issue with using this approach is that there is generally a large loss of the light signal due to scattering and absorption in water even though there is an optimal wavelength for transmission in the blue or green wavelengths of the visible spectrum. The second issue is that a simple system consisting only of a highly directional source/transmitter and small optical detector/receiver has a very narrow field of view. The goal of this project is to improve an optical, underwater communication system by increasing the effective field of view of the receiving optics. To this end, we make two changes to the simple system: (1) An optical dome was added near the receiver. An array of lenses is placed radially on the surface of the dome, reminiscent of the compound eye of an insect. The lenses make the source and detector planes conjugate, and each lens adds a new region of the source plane to the instrument's total field of view. (2) The receiver was expanded to include multiple photodiodes. With these two changes, the receiver has much more tolerance to misalignments (in position and angle) of the transmitter.Two versions of the optical dome (with 6 and 8 diameters) were designed using the CREO CAD software and modeled using the CODE V optical design software. A series of these transparent hemispherical domes, with both design diameters, were manufactured using a 5-axis mill. The prototype was then retrofitted with lenses and compared with the computer-generated model to demonstrate the effectiveness of this solution. This work shows the dome design improves the optical field of view of the underwater communication system considerably. Furthermore, with the experimental test results, a geometric optimization model was derived providing insights to the design performance limits.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bacis, Irina Bristena; Vasile, Alexandru; Ionescu, Ciprian; Marghescu, Cristina
2016-12-01
The purpose of this paper is to analyze different power devices - emitters of optical flow, from the point of view of optical coupling, emitted optical powers, optical fiber losses and receiver. The research and characterization of the transmission through a power optical system is done using a computer system specialized for the automotive industry. This system/platform can deliver current pulses that are controlled by a computer through a software (it is possible to set different parameters such as pulse repetition frequency, duty cycle, and current intensity). For the experiments a power Fabry Perot 1035 laser diode operating in pulse with μφ 1055 nm, Ith = 40 mA, and Iop =750 mA was used with a single-mode SFM 128 optical fiber and an EM type optical coupler connected through alignment. Two types of measurements were conducted to demonstrate the usefulness of the experimental structure. In the first case the amplitude of the voltage pulses was measured at the output of an optical detector with receiving diode in a built-in amplifier with a 50 kΩ load resistance. In the second stage measurements were conducted to determine the optical power injected in the optical fiber and received at the reception cell of a power meter. Another parameter of optical coupling that can be measured using the experimental structure is irradiation. This parameter is very important to determine the optimum cutting angle of the fiber for continuity welding.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kistler, B.L.
DELSOL3 is a revised and updated version of the DELSOL2 computer program (SAND81-8237) for calculating collector field performance and layout and optimal system design for solar thermal central receiver plants. The code consists of a detailed model of the optical performance, a simpler model of the non-optical performance, an algorithm for field layout, and a searching algorithm to find the best system design based on energy cost. The latter two features are coupled to a cost model of central receiver components and an economic model for calculating energy costs. The code can handle flat, focused and/or canted heliostats, and externalmore » cylindrical, multi-aperture cavity, and flat plate receivers. The program optimizes the tower height, receiver size, field layout, heliostat spacings, and tower position at user specified power levels subject to flux limits on the receiver and land constraints for field layout. DELSOL3 maintains the advantages of speed and accuracy which are characteristics of DELSOL2.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Walker, Ernest L.
1994-05-01
This paper presents results of a theoretical investigation to evaluate the performance of code division multiple access communications over multimode optical fiber channels in an asynchronous, multiuser communication network environment. The system is evaluated using Gold sequences for spectral spreading of the baseband signal from each user employing direct-sequence biphase shift keying and intensity modulation techniques. The transmission channel model employed is a lossless linear system approximation of the field transfer function for the alpha -profile multimode optical fiber. Due to channel model complexity, a correlation receiver model employing a suboptimal receive filter was used in calculating the peak output signal at the ith receiver. In Part 1, the performance measures for the system, i.e., signal-to-noise ratio and bit error probability for the ith receiver, are derived as functions of channel characteristics, spectral spreading, number of active users, and the bit energy to noise (white) spectral density ratio. In Part 2, the overall system performance is evaluated.
Optical analysis and thermal management of 2-cell strings linear concentrating photovoltaic system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Reddy, K. S.; Kamnapure, Nikhilesh R.
2015-09-01
This paper presents the optical and thermal analyses for a linear concentrating photovoltaic/thermal collector under different operating conditions. Linear concentrating photovoltaic system (CPV) consists of a highly reflective mirror, a receiver and semi-dual axis tracking mechanism. The CPV receiver embodies two strings of triple-junction cells (100 cells in each string) adhered to a mild steel circular tube mounted at the focal length of trough. This system provides 560 W of electricity and 1580 W of heat which needs to be dissipated by active cooling. The Al2O3/Water nanofluid is used as heat transfer fluid (HTF) flowing through circular receiver for CPV cells cooling. Optical analysis of linear CPV system with 3.35 m2 aperture and geometric concentration ratio (CR) of 35 is carried out using Advanced System Analysis Program (ASAP) an optical simulation tool. Non-uniform intensity distribution model of solar disk is used to model the sun in ASAP. The impact of random errors including slope error (σslope), tracking error (σtrack) and apparent change in sun's width (σsun) on optical performance of collector is shown. The result from the optical simulations shows the optical efficiency (ηo) of 88.32% for 2-cell string CPV concentrator. Thermal analysis of CPV receiver is carried out with conjugate heat transfer modeling in ANSYS FLUENT-14. Numerical simulations of Al2O3/Water nanofluid turbulent forced convection are performed for various parameters such as nanoparticle volume fraction (φ), Reynolds number (Re). The addition of the nanoparticle in water enhances the heat transfer in the ranges of 3.28% - 35.6% for φ = 1% - 6%. Numerical results are compared with literature data which shows the reasonable agreement.
Gated frequency-resolved optical imaging with an optical parametric amplifier
Cameron, S.M.; Bliss, D.E.; Kimmel, M.W.; Neal, D.R.
1999-08-10
A system for detecting objects in a turbid media utilizes an optical parametric amplifier as an amplifying gate for received light from the media. An optical gating pulse from a second parametric amplifier permits the system to respond to and amplify only ballistic photons from the object in the media. 13 figs.
Gated frequency-resolved optical imaging with an optical parametric amplifier
Cameron, Stewart M.; Bliss, David E.; Kimmel, Mark W.; Neal, Daniel R.
1999-01-01
A system for detecting objects in a turbid media utilizes an optical parametric amplifier as an amplifying gate for received light from the media. An optical gating pulse from a second parametric amplifier permits the system to respond to and amplify only ballistic photons from the object in the media.
A Study of Synchronization Techniques for Optical Communication Systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gagliardi, R. M.
1975-01-01
The study of synchronization techniques and related topics in the design of high data rate, deep space, optical communication systems was reported. Data cover: (1) effects of timing errors in narrow pulsed digital optical systems, (2) accuracy of microwave timing systems operating in low powered optical systems, (3) development of improved tracking systems for the optical channel and determination of their tracking performance, (4) development of usable photodetector mathematical models for application to analysis and performance design in communication receivers, and (5) study application of multi-level block encoding to optical transmission of digital data.
Multi-wavelength time-coincident optical communications system and methods thereof
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lekki, John (Inventor); Nguyen, Quang-Viet (Inventor)
2009-01-01
An optical communications transmitter includes a oscillator source, producing a clock signal, a data source, producing a data signal, a modulating circuit for modulating the clock signal using the data signal to produce modulating signals, optical drivers, receiving the modulating signals and producing optical driving signals based on the modulating signals and optical emitters, producing small numbers of photons based on the optical driving signals. The small numbers of photons are time-correlated between at least two separate optical transmission wavelengths and quantum states and the small number of photons can be detected by a receiver to reform the data signal.
Subcarrier multiplexing with dispersion reduction and direct detection
Sargis, Paul D.; Haigh, Ronald E.; McCammon, Kent G.
1997-01-01
An SCM system for simultaneously reducing the concomitant problems of receiver complexity and dispersion penalty and without requiring the use of an expensive, high-bandwidth optical detector. The system provides both a dispersion reduction and a direct detection to the receiver, with microwave mixers and lithium niobate external modulators that produce sidebands that are only separated by a few gigahertz from a principal laser optical carrier. Digital data streams are independently impressed upon these sidebands for transmission over an ordinary single-mode fiber. Independent high-speed data streams are upconverted to microwave frequencies. These subcarriers are then combined with a microwave power combiner and amplified with a microwave amplifier. A solid-state 1550-nm laser carrier is modulated by the microwave subcarriers. An erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is used just prior to long-distance transmission over ordinary single-mode fiber. The transmitted optical signal may then traverse multiple EDFAs to compensate for long-haul optical fiber losses prior to detection. At a receiving end, the optical signal is split into multiple paths. The subcarrier channels are optically pre-selected using a narrowband optical filter, such as a fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filter. An optical detector converts the selected optical signal into a baseband electrical data stream.
Phase-lock-loop application for fiber optic receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ruggles, Stephen L.; Wills, Robert W.
1991-02-01
Phase-locked loop circuits are frequently employed in communication systems. In recent years, digital phase-locked loop circuits were utilized in optical communications systems. In an optical transceiver system, the digital phase-locked loop circuit is connected to the output of the receiver to extract a clock signal from the received coded data (NRZ, Bi-Phase, or Manchester). The clock signal is then used to reconstruct or recover the original data from the coded data. A theoretical approach to the design of a digital phase-locked loop circuit operation at 1 and 50 MHz is described. Hardware implementation of a breadboard design to function at 1 MHz and a printed-circuit board designed to function at 50 MHz were assembled using emitter coupled logic (ECL) to verify experimentally the theoretical design.
Phase-lock-loop application for fiber optic receiver
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ruggles, Stephen L.; Wills, Robert W.
1991-01-01
Phase-locked loop circuits are frequently employed in communication systems. In recent years, digital phase-locked loop circuits were utilized in optical communications systems. In an optical transceiver system, the digital phase-locked loop circuit is connected to the output of the receiver to extract a clock signal from the received coded data (NRZ, Bi-Phase, or Manchester). The clock signal is then used to reconstruct or recover the original data from the coded data. A theoretical approach to the design of a digital phase-locked loop circuit operation at 1 and 50 MHz is described. Hardware implementation of a breadboard design to function at 1 MHz and a printed-circuit board designed to function at 50 MHz were assembled using emitter coupled logic (ECL) to verify experimentally the theoretical design.
Development of high-sensitivity SWIR APD receivers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bai, Xiaogang; Yuan, Ping; Chang, James; Sudharsanan, Rengarajan; Krainak, Michael; Yang, Guangning; Sun, Xiaoli; Lu, Wei
2013-06-01
Emerging short wavelength infrared (SWIR) LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) and long range laser rangefinder systems, require large optical aperture avalanche photodiodes (APDs) receivers with high sensitivity and high bandwidth. A large optical aperture is critical to increase the optical coupling efficiency and extend the LIDAR sensing range of the above systems. Both APD excess noise and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) noise need to be reduced in order to achieve high receiver sensitivity. The dark current and capacitance of large area APDs increase with APD aperture and thus limit the sensitivity and bandwidth of receivers. Spectrolab has been developing low excess noise InAlAs/InGaAs APDs with impact ionization engineering (I2E) designs for many years and has demonstrated APDs with optical gain over 100 utilizing multiple period I2E structures in the APD multiplier. These high gain I2E APDs have an excess noise factor less than 0.15. With an optical aperture of 200 μm, low excess noise multiple periods I2E APDs have capacitances about 1.7 pF. In addition, optical gains of InAlAs based APDs show very little temperature dependence and will enable APD photoreceivers without thermal electric cooling.
Hybrid architecture active wavefront sensing and control system, and method
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Feinberg, Lee D. (Inventor); Dean, Bruce H. (Inventor); Hyde, Tristram T. (Inventor)
2011-01-01
According to various embodiments, provided herein is an optical system and method that can be configured to perform image analysis. The optical system can comprise a telescope assembly and one or more hybrid instruments. The one or more hybrid instruments can be configured to receive image data from the telescope assembly and perform a fine guidance operation and a wavefront sensing operation, simultaneously, on the image data received from the telescope assembly.
R.F Microphotonics for NASA Space Communications Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pouch, John; Nguyen, Hung; Lee, Richard; Miranda, Felix; Hossein-Zadeh, Mani; Cohen, David; Levi, A. F. J.
2007-01-01
An RF microphotonic receiver has-been developed at Ka-band. The receiver consists of a lithium niobate micro-disk that enables RF-optical coupling to occur. The modulated optical signal (- 200 THz) is detected by the high-speed photonic signal processing electronics. When compared with an electronic approach, the microphotonic receiver technology offers 10 times smaller volume, smaller weight, and smaller power consumption; greater sensitivity; and optical isolation for use in extreme environments. The status of the technology development will be summarized, and the potential application of the receiver to NASA space communications systems will be described.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Riza, Nabeel Agha; Perez, Frank
A remote temperature sensing system includes a light source selectively producing light at two different wavelengths and a sensor device having an optical path length that varies as a function of temperature. The sensor receives light emitted by the light source and redirects the light along the optical path length. The system also includes a detector receiving redirected light from the sensor device and generating respective signals indicative of respective intensities of received redirected light corresponding to respective wavelengths of light emitted by the light source. The system also includes a processor processing the signals generated by the detector tomore » calculate a temperature of the device.« less
Optical Circuit Switched Protocol
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Monacos, Steve P. (Inventor)
2000-01-01
The present invention is a system and method embodied in an optical circuit switched protocol for the transmission of data through a network. The optical circuit switched protocol is an all-optical circuit switched network and includes novel optical switching nodes for transmitting optical data packets within a network. Each optical switching node comprises a detector for receiving the header, header detection logic for translating the header into routing information and eliminating the header, and a controller for receiving the routing information and configuring an all optical path within the node. The all optical path located within the node is solely an optical path without having electronic storage of the data and without having optical delay of the data. Since electronic storage of the header is not necessary and the initial header is eliminated by the first detector of the first switching node. multiple identical headers are sent throughout the network so that subsequent switching nodes can receive and read the header for setting up an optical data path.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Xiaoli; Davidson, Frederic M.
1990-01-01
A technique for word timing recovery in a direct-detection optical PPM communication system is described. It tracks on back-to-back pulse pairs in the received random PPM data sequences with the use of a phase locked loop. The experimental system consisted of an 833-nm AlGaAs laser diode transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode photodetector, and it used Q = 4 PPM signaling at source data rate 25 Mb/s. The mathematical model developed to describe system performance is shown to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements. Use of this recovered PPM word clock with a slot clock recovery system caused no measurable penalty in receiver sensitivity. The completely self-synchronized receiver was capable of acquiring and maintaining both slot and word synchronizations for input optical signal levels as low as 20 average detected photons per information bit. The receiver achieved a bit error probability of 10 to the -6th at less than 60 average detected photons per information bit.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chin, G.; Buhl, D.; Florez, J. M.
1981-01-01
A survey of acousto-optic spectrometers for molecular astronomy is presented, noting a technique of combining the acoustic bending of a collimated coherent light beam with a Bragg cell followed by an array of sensitive photodetectors. This acousto-optic spectrometer has a large bandwidth, a large number of channels, high resolution, and is energy efficient. Receiver development has concentrated on high-frequency heterodyne systems for the study of the chemical composition of the interstellar medium. RF spectrometers employing acousto-optic diffraction cells are described. Acousto-optic techniques have been suggested for applications to electronic warfare, electronic countermeasures and electronic support systems. Plans to use integrated optics for the further miniaturization of acousto-optic spectrometers are described. Bulk acousto-optic spectrometers with 300 MHz and 1 GHz bandwidths are being developed for use in the back-end of high-frequency heterodyne receivers for astronomical research.
Influence of vibration on the coupling efficiency in spatial receiver and its compensation method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hu, Qinggui; Mu, Yining
2018-04-01
In order to analyze the loss of the free-space optical receiver caused by the vibration, we set up the coordinate systems on both the receiving lens surface and the receiving fiber surface, respectively. Then, with Gauss optics theory, the coupling efficiency equation is obtained. And the solution is calculated with MATLAB® software. To lower the impact of the vibration, the directional tapered communication fiber receiver is proposed. In the next step, the sample was produced and two experiments were done. The first experiment shows that the coupling efficiency of the receiver is higher than that of the traditional one. The second experiment shows the bit error rate of the new receiver is lower. Both of the experiments show the new receiver could improve the receiving system's tolerance with the vibration.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Matinfar, Mehdi D.; Salehi, Jawad A.
2009-11-01
In this paper we analytically study and evaluate the performance of a Spectral-Phase-Encoded Optical CDMA system for different parameters such as the user's code length and the number of users in the network. In this system an advanced receiver structure in which the Second Harmonic Generation effect imposed in a thick crystal is employed as the nonlinear pre-processor prior to the conventional low speed photodetector. We consider ASE noise of the optical amplifiers, effective in low power conditions, besides the multiple access interference (MAI) noise which is the dominant source of noise in any OCDMA communications system. We use the results of the previous work which we analyzed the statistical behavior of the thick crystals in an optically amplified digital lightwave communication system to evaluate the performance of the SPE-OCDMA system with thick crystals receiver structure. The error probability is evaluated using Saddle-Point approximation and the approximation is verified by Monte-Carlo simulation.
Quantum limited performance of optical receivers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Farrell, Thomas C.
2018-05-01
While the fundamental performance limit for traditional radio frequency (RF) communications is often set by background noise on the channel, the fundamental limit for optical communications is set by the quantum nature of light. Both types of systems are based on electro-magnetic waves, differing only in carrier frequency. It is, in fact, the frequency that determines which of these limits dominates. We explore this in the first part of this paper. This leads to a difference in methods of analysis of the two different types of systems. While equations predicting the probability of bit error for RF systems are usually based on the signal to background noise ratio, similar equations for optical systems are often based on the physics of the quantum limit and are simply a function of the detected signal energy received per bit. These equations are derived in the second part of this paper for several frequently used modulation schemes: On-off keying (OOK), pulse position modulation (PPM), and binary differential phase shift keying (DPSK). While these equations ignore the effects of background noise and non-quantum internal noise sources in the detector and receiver electronics, they provide a useful bound for obtainable performance of optical communication systems. For example, these equations may be used in initial link budgets to assess the feasibility of system architectures, even before specific receiver designs are considered.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schaefer, Semjon; Gregory, Mark; Rosenkranz, Werner
2016-11-01
We present simulative and experimental investigations of different coherent receiver designs for high-speed optical intersatellite links. We focus on frequency offset (FO) compensation in homodyne and intradyne detection systems. The considered laser communication terminal uses an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), which ensures stable homodyne detection. However, the hardware complexity increases with the modulation order. Therefore, we show that software-based intradyne detection is an attractive alternative for OPLL-based homodyne systems. Our approach is based on digital FO and phase noise compensation, in order to achieve a more flexible coherent detection scheme. Analytic results will further show the theoretical impact of the different detection schemes on the receiver sensitivity. Finally, we compare the schemes in terms of bit error ratio measurements and optimal receiver design.
The architecture of blind equalizer for MIMO free space optical communication system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Hongwei; Huang, Yongmei
2016-10-01
The free space optical (FSO) communication system has attracted many researchers from different countries, owning to its advantages such as high security, high speed and anti-interference. Among all kinds of the channels of the FSO communication system, the atmosphere channel is very difficult to deal with for two typical disadvantages at least. The one is the scintillation of the optical carrier intensity caused by the atmosphere turbulence and the other is the multipath effect by the optical scattering. A lot of studies have shown that the MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology can overcome the scintillation of the optical carrier through the atmosphere effectively. So the background of this paper is a MIMO system which includes multiple optical transmitting antennas and multiple optical receiving antennas. A number of particles such as hazes, water droplets and aerosols exit in the atmosphere widely. When optical carrier meets these particles, the scattering phenomenon is inevitable, which leads to the multipath effect. As a result, a optical pulse transmitted by the optical transmitter becomes wider, to some extent, when it gets to the optical receiver due to the multipath effect. If the information transmission rate is quite low, there is less relationship between the multipath effect and the bit error rate (BER) of the communication system. Once the information transmission rate increases to a high level, the multipath effect will produce the problem called inter symbol inference (ISI) seriously and the bit error rate will increase severely. In order to take the advantage of the FSO communication system, the inter symbol inference problem must be solved. So it is necessary to use the channel equalization technology. This paper aims at deciding a equalizer and designing suitable equalization algorithm for a MIMO free space optical communication system to overcome the serious problem of bit error rate. The reliability and the efficiency of communication are two important indexes. For a MIMO communication system, there are two typical equalization methods. The first method, every receiving antenna has an independent equalizer without the information derived from the other receiving antennas. The second, the information derived from all of the receiving antennas mixes with each other, according to some definite rules, which is called space-time equalization. The former is discussed in this paper. The equalization algorithm concludes training mode and non training mode. The training mode needs training codes transmitted by the transmitter during the whole communication process and this mode reduces the communication efficiency more or less. In order to improve the communication efficiency, the blind equalization algorithm, a non training mode, is used to solve the parameter of the equalizer. In this paper, firstly, the atmosphere channel is described focusing on the scintillation and multipath effect of the optical carrier. Then, the structure of a equalizer of MIMO free space optical communication system is introduced. In the next part of this paper, the principle of the blind equalization algorithm is introduced. In addition, the simulation results are showed. In the end of this paper, the conclusions and the future work are discussed.
A novel design of optical CDMA system based on TCM and FFH
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fang, Jun-Bin; Xu, Zhi-Hai; Huang, Hong-bin; Zheng, Liming; Chen, Shun-er; Liu, Wei-ping
2005-02-01
For the application in Passive Optical Network (PON), a novel design of OCDMA system scheme is proposed in this paper. There are two key components included in this scheme: a new kind of OCDMA encoder/decoder system based on TCM and FFH and an improved Optical Line Terminal (OLT) receiving system with improved anti-interference performance by the use of Long Period Fiber Grating (LPFG). In the encoder/decoder system, Trellis Coded Modulation (TCM) encoder is applied in front of the FFH modulator. Original signal firstly is encoded through TCM encoder, and then the redundant code out of the TCM encoder will be mapped into one of the FFH modulation signal subsets for transmission. On the receiver (decoder) side, transmitting signal is demodulated through FFH and decoded by trellis decoder. Owing to the fact that high coding gain can be acquired by TCM without adding transmitting band and reducing transmitting speed, TCM is utilized to ameliorate bit error performance and reduce multi-user interference. In the OLT receiving system, EDFA and LPFG are placed in front of decoder to get excellent gain flatness on a large bandwidth, and Optical Hard Limiter (OHL) is also deployed to improve detection performance, through which the anti-interference performance of receiving system can be greatly enhanced. At the same time, some software is used to simulate the system performance for further analysis and authentication. The related work in this paper provides a valuable reference to the research.
Fiber-optic interconnection networks for spacecraft
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Powers, Robert S.
1992-01-01
The overall goal of this effort was to perform the detailed design, development, and construction of a prototype 8x8 all-optical fiber optic crossbar switch using low power liquid crystal shutters capable of operation in a network with suitable fiber optic transmitters and receivers at a data rate of 1 Gb/s. During the earlier Phase 1 feasibility study, it was determined that the all-optical crossbar system had significant advantages compared to electronic crossbars in terms of power consumption, weight, size, and reliability. The result is primarily due to the fact that no optical transmitters and receivers are required for electro-optic conversion within the crossbar switch itself.
Transceivers and receivers for quantum key distribution and methods pertaining thereto
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
DeRose, Christopher; Sarovar, Mohan; Soh, Daniel B.S.
Various technologies for performing continuous-variable (CV) and discrete-variable (DV) quantum key distribution (QKD) with integrated electro-optical circuits are described herein. An integrated DV-QKD system uses Mach-Zehnder modulators to modulate a polarization of photons at a transmitter and select a photon polarization measurement basis at a receiver. An integrated CV-QKD system uses wavelength division multiplexing to send and receive amplitude-modulated and phase-modulated optical signals with a local oscillator signal while maintaining phase coherence between the modulated signals and the local oscillator signal.
A comparative study of optical concentrators for visible light communications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mulyawan, Rahmat; Gomez, Ariel; Chun, Hyunchae; Rajbhandari, Sujan; Manousiadis, Pavlos P.; Vithanage, Dimali A.; Faulkner, Grahame; Turnbull, Graham A.; Samuel, Ifor D. W.; Collins, Stephen; O'Brien, Dominic
2017-01-01
Given the imminent radio frequency spectrum crunch, Visible Light Communication (VLC) is being proposed as an alternative wireless technology allowing for scalable connectivity to potentially millions of mobile and Internet-of- Things (IoT) devices. A VLC system uses a photo-detector (PD) receiver that converts the optically modulated light from a light source into a modulated electrical signal. The corresponding receiver electrical bandwidth is typically inversely proportional to the PD active area. Consequently, to construct a high-speed VLC link, the PD active area is often substantially reduced and an optical concentrator is used to enhance the receiver collection area. However, to achieve high concentrating factor, the link field-of-view (FOV) needs to be narrow due to the étendue conservation in linear passive optical systems. This paper studies a Fluorescent Concentrator (FC) that breaks this étendue conservation. The FC is not only based on reflective and refractive principles but also makes use of fluorescence process. A comparison between the FC and conventional optical concentrators, namely Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) is also investigated. The trade-off between received signal strength and incoming link angle is demonstrated over 60° coverage. Experimental results show that performance degradation as the link angle increases using FC-based receivers is significantly lower than for conventional CPC.
Power efficient optical communications for space applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lesh, J. R.
1982-01-01
Optical communications technology promises substantial size, weight and power consumption savings for space to space high data rate communications over presently used microwave technology. These benefits are further increased by making the most efficient use of the available optical signal energy. This presentation will describe the progress to date on a project to design, build and demonstrate in the laboratory an optical communication system capable of conveying 2.5 bits of information per effective received photon. Such high power efficiencies will reduce the need for photon collection at the receiver and will greatly reduce the requirements for optical pointing accuracy, both at the transmitter as well as the receiver. A longer range program to demonstrate even higher photon efficiencies will also be described.
Subcarrier multiplexing with dispersion reduction and direct detection
Sargis, P.D.; Haigh, R.E.; McCammon, K.G.
1997-01-21
An SCM system is disclosed for simultaneously reducing the concomitant problems of receiver complexity and dispersion penalty and without requiring the use of an expensive, high-bandwidth optical detector. The system provides both a dispersion reduction and a direct detection to the receiver, with microwave mixers and lithium niobate external modulators that produce sidebands that are only separated by a few gigahertz from a principal laser optical carrier. Digital data streams are independently impressed upon these sidebands for transmission over an ordinary single-mode fiber. Independent high-speed data streams are upconverted to microwave frequencies. These subcarriers are then combined with a microwave power combiner and amplified with a microwave amplifier. A solid-state 1550-nm laser carrier is modulated by the microwave subcarriers. An erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is used just prior to long-distance transmission over ordinary single-mode fiber. The transmitted optical signal may then traverse multiple EDFAs to compensate for long-haul optical fiber losses prior to detection. At a receiving end, the optical signal is split into multiple paths. The subcarrier channels are optically pre-selected using a narrowband optical filter, such as a fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filter. An optical detector converts the selected optical signal into a baseband electrical data stream. 2 figs.
Advanced Optical Fiber Communications Systems
1994-08-31
phase locking . The PZT port has a tuning coefficient of 3.4 MHz/V. The time constants of the optical phase - locked loop ( OPLL ) filter’s pole and zero are... with the PSK receiver optical phase -I-ocked loop ( OPLL ). As we increased nz in our experiments, the larger signal fluctuations made it increasingly... lasers , since a phase - locked loop is 114 I not required for the DPSK receiver (unlike
High-volume optical vortex multiplexing and de-multiplexing for free-space optical communication.
Wang, Zhongxi; Zhang, N; Yuan, X-C
2011-01-17
We report an approach to the increase of signal channels in free-space optical communication based on composed optical vortices (OVs). In the encoding process, conventional algorithm employed for the generation of collinearly superimposed OVs is combined with a genetic algorithm to achieve high-volume OV multiplexing. At the receiver end, a novel Dammann vortex grating is used to analyze the multihelix beams with a large number of OVs. We experimentally demonstrate a digitized system which is capable of transmitting and receiving 16 OV channels simultaneously. This system is expected to be compatible with a high-speed OV multiplexing technique, with potentials to extremely high-volume information density in OV communication.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Xiaoli; Davidson, Frederic M.
1990-01-01
A newly developed 220 Mbps free-space 4-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) direct detection optical communication system is described. High speed GaAs integrated circuits were used to construct the PPM encoder and receiver electronic circuits. Both PPM slot and word timing recovery were provided in the PPM receiver. The optical transmitter consisted of an AlGaAs laser diode (Mitsubishi ML5702A, lambda=821nm) and a high speed driver unit. The photodetector consisted of a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) (RCA30902S) preceded by an optical interference filter (delta lambda=10nm). Preliminary tests showed that the self-synchronized PPM receiver could achieve a receiver bit error rate of less than 10(exp -6) at 25 nW average received optical signal power or 360 photons per transmitted information bit. The relatively poor receiver sensitivity was believed to be caused by the insufficient electronic bandwidth of the APD preamplifier and the poor linearity of the preamplifier high frequency response.
Optical coupling elements for coherent optical multiport receivers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Langenhorst, Ralf
1992-05-01
Three by three (3 by 3) and four by four (4 by 4) port coupling elements and receivers for heterodyne multiport systems are realized. Commercial (3 by 3) fiber coupling elements were used to achieve a usual (3 by 3) port receiver and a (3 by 3) port receiver in pushpull switching, whose concept was theoretically and experimentally analyzed. It is established that intensity oscillations of laser sources are suppressed by pushpull switching. The influence of thermal noise of opto-electronic input levels is shown to be weaker than in usual (3 by 3) port and (4 by 4) port receivers. Thermal noise effect in pushpull switching is similar to this one in heterodyne receivers. An integrated optical coupling element in LiNbO3 was made with bridge circuit from four waveguide coupling elements and two phase converters, which are electro-optically tunable so that a continuous regulation of intermediate frequency phase can be compensated by temperature variations of the element. To obtain fiber-to-fiber losses lower than a dB, a compact crystal optical coupling element was developed with reference to polarization properties of optical waves. This element supplied the eight necessary intermediate frequency output signals. A direct experimental comparison of bandwidth efficiency of multiport and heterodyne receivers shows a factor two in optical area and a factor three in electrical frequency area.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Castrillón, Mario A.; Morero, Damián A.; Agazzi, Oscar E.; Hueda, Mario R.
2015-08-01
The joint iterative detection and decoding (JIDD) technique has been proposed by Barbieri et al. (2007) with the objective of compensating the time-varying phase noise and constant frequency offset experienced in satellite communication systems. The application of JIDD to optical coherent receivers in the presence of laser frequency fluctuations has not been reported in prior literature. Laser frequency fluctuations are caused by mechanical vibrations, power supply noise, and other mechanisms. They significantly degrade the performance of the carrier phase estimator in high-speed intradyne coherent optical receivers. This work investigates the performance of the JIDD algorithm in multi-gigabit optical coherent receivers. We present simulation results of bit error rate (BER) for non-differential polarization division multiplexing (PDM)-16QAM modulation in a 200 Gb/s coherent optical system that includes an LDPC code with 20% overhead and net coding gain of 11.3 dB at BER = 10-15. Our study shows that JIDD with a pilot rate ⩽ 5 % compensates for both laser phase noise and laser frequency fluctuation. Furthermore, since JIDD is used with non-differential modulation formats, we find that gains in excess of 1 dB can be achieved over existing solutions based on an explicit carrier phase estimator with differential modulation. The impact of the fiber nonlinearities in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems is also investigated. Our results demonstrate that JIDD is an excellent candidate for application in next generation high-speed optical coherent receivers.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Xiaoli; Davidson, Frederic; Field, Christopher
1990-01-01
A 50 Mbps direct detection optical communication system for use in an intersatellite link was constructed with an AlGaAs laser diode transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode photodetector. The system used a Q = 4 PPM format. The receiver consisted of a maximum likelihood PPM detector and a timing recovery subsystem. The PPM slot clock was recovered at the receiver by using a transition detector followed by a PLL. The PPM word clock was recovered by using a second PLL whose input was derived from the presence of back-to-back PPM pulses contained in the received random PPM pulse sequences. The system achieved a bit error rate of 0.000001 at less than 50 detected signal photons/information bit. The receiver was capable of acquiring and maintaining slot and word synchronization for received signal levels greater than 20 photons/information bit, at which the receiver bit error rate was about 0.01.
Optical network security using unipolar Walsh code
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sikder, Somali; Sarkar, Madhumita; Ghosh, Shila
2018-04-01
Optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) is considered as a good technique to provide optical layer security. Many research works have been published to enhance optical network security by using optical signal processing. The paper, demonstrates the design of the AWG (arrayed waveguide grating) router-based optical network for spectral-amplitude-coding (SAC) OCDMA networks with Walsh Code to design a reconfigurable network codec by changing signature codes to against eavesdropping. In this paper we proposed a code reconfiguration scheme to improve the network access confidentiality changing the signature codes by cyclic rotations, for OCDMA system. Each of the OCDMA network users is assigned a unique signature code to transmit the information and at the receiving end each receiver correlates its own signature pattern a(n) with the receiving pattern s(n). The signal arriving at proper destination leads to s(n)=a(n).
Crossed beam roof target for motion tracking
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Olczak, Eugene (Inventor)
2009-01-01
A system for detecting motion between a first body and a second body includes first and second detector-emitter pairs, disposed on the first body, and configured to transmit and receive first and second optical beams, respectively. At least a first optical rotator is disposed on the second body and configured to receive and reflect at least one of the first and second optical beams. First and second detectors of the detector-emitter pairs are configured to detect the first and second optical beams, respectively. Each of the first and second detectors is configured to detect motion between the first and second bodies in multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). The first optical rotator includes a V-notch oriented to form an apex of an isosceles triangle with respect to a base of the isosceles triangle formed by the first and second detector-emitter pairs. The V-notch is configured to receive the first optical beam and reflect the first optical beam to both the first and second detectors. The V-notch is also configured to receive the second optical beam and reflect the second optical beam to both the first and second detectors.
Free Space Optical Communication for Tactical Operations
2016-09-01
communications. Military communications further require secure connections for data transfer . The Free Space Optical (FSO) communication system, with its...communications. Military communications further require secure connections for data transfer . The Free Space Optical (FSO) communication system...13. Percentage of Frame Loss at Location 1A .................................... 34 Figure 14. Received Power at Location 1A
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cao, Jingtai; Zhao, Xiaohui; Liu, Wei; Gu, Haijun
2018-03-01
A wavefront sensor is one of most important units for an adaptive optics system. Based on our previous works, in this paper, we discuss the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of coherent free space optical communication systems with a focal-plane-based wavefront sensor. Firstly, the theory of a focal-plane-based wavefront sensor is given. Then the relationship between the BER and the mixing efficiency with a homodyne receiver is discussed on the basis of binary-phase-shift-keying (BPSK) modulation. Finally, the numerical simulation results are shown that the BER will be decreased obviously after aberrations correction with the focal-plane-based wavefront sensor. In addition, the BER will decrease along with increasing number of photons received within a single bit. These analysis results will provide a reference for the design of the coherent Free space optical communication (FSOC) system.
Study of image reconstruction for terahertz indirect holography with quasi-optics receiver.
Gao, Xiang; Li, Chao; Fang, Guangyou
2013-06-01
In this paper, an indirect holographic image reconstruction algorithm was studied for terahertz imaging with a quasi-optics receiver. Based on the combination of the reciprocity principle and modified quasi-optics theory, analytical expressions of the received spatial power distribution and its spectrum are obtained for the interference pattern of target wave and reference wave. These results clearly give the quantitative relationship between imaging quality and the parameters of a Gaussian beam, which provides a good criterion for terahertz quasi-optics transceivers design in terahertz off-axis holographic imagers. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed analysis method, some imaging results with a 0.3 THz prototype system are shown based on electromagnetic simulation.
An Optical Fiber Communication System Based on Coherent Modulation. Part 1.
1985-06-01
the’ local oscillator signal. In the receiver the two signals are recombined optically using a single mode fiber coupler or a beam splitter , and the...Fig. 2. Design of practical systems may imply the use of non - ideal laser diodes. In a cooperation with British Telecom Research Labora- tories we...frequency stabilisation *the transmission fiber - *injection locking of semiconductor lasers *the coherent receiver Our next target is complete design
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Khallaf, Haitham S.; Garrido-Balsells, José M.; Shalaby, Hossam M. H.; Sampei, Seiichi
2015-12-01
The performance of multiple-input multiple-output free space optical (MIMO-FSO) communication systems, that adopt multipulse pulse position modulation (MPPM) techniques, is analyzed. Both exact and approximate symbol-error rates (SERs) are derived for both cases of uncorrelated and correlated channels. The effects of background noise, receiver shot-noise, and atmospheric turbulence are taken into consideration in our analysis. The random fluctuations of the received optical irradiance, produced by the atmospheric turbulence, is modeled by the widely used gamma-gamma statistical distribution. Uncorrelated MIMO channels are modeled by the α-μ distribution. A closed-form expression for the probability density function of the optical received irradiance is derived for the case of correlated MIMO channels. Using our analytical expressions, the degradation of the system performance with the increment of the correlation coefficients between MIMO channels is corroborated.
Range Imaging without Moving Parts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Blair, J. Bryan; Scott, V. Stanley, III; Ramos-Izquierdo, Luis
2008-01-01
Range-imaging instruments of a type now under development are intended to generate the equivalent of three-dimensional images from measurements of the round-trip times of flight of laser pulses along known directions. These instruments could also provide information on characteristics of targets, including roughnesses and reflectivities of surfaces and optical densities of such semi-solid objects as trees and clouds. Unlike in prior range-imaging instruments based on times of flight along known directions, there would be no moving parts; aiming of the laser beams along the known directions would not be accomplished by mechanical scanning of mirrors, prisms, or other optical components. Instead, aiming would be accomplished by using solid-state devices to switch input and output beams along different fiber-optic paths. Because of the lack of moving parts, these instruments could be extraordinarily reliable, rugged, and long-lasting. An instrument of this type would include an optical transmitter that would send out a laser pulse along a chosen direction to a target. An optical receiver coaligned with the transmitter would measure the temporally varying intensity of laser light reflected from the target to determine the distance and surface characteristics of the target. The transmitter would be a combination of devices for generating precise directional laser illumination. It would include a pulsed laser, the output of which would be coupled into a fiber-optic cable with a fan-out and solid-state optical switches that would enable switching of the laser beam onto one or more optical fibers terminated at known locations in an array on a face at the focal plane of a telescope. The array would be imaged by the telescope onto the target space. The receiver optical system could share the aforementioned telescope with the transmitter or could include a separate telescope aimed in the same direction as that of the transmitting telescope. In either case, light reflected from the target would be focused by the receiver optical system onto an array of optical fibers matching the array in the transmitter. These optical fibers would couple the received light to one or more photodetector( s). Optionally, the receiver could include solid-state optical switches for choosing which optical fiber(s) would couple light to the photodetector(s). This instrument architecture is flexible and can be optimized for a wide variety of applications and levels of performance. For example, it is scalable to any number of pixels and pixel resolutions and is compatible with a variety of ranging and photodetection methodologies, including, for example, ranging by use of modulated (including pulsed and encoded) light signals. The use of fixed arrays of optical fibers to generate controlled illumination patterns would eliminate the mechanical complexity and much of the bulk of optomechanical scanning assemblies. Furthermore, digital control of the selection of the fiber-optic pathways for the transmitted beams could afford capabilities not seen in previous three-dimensional range-imaging systems. Instruments of this type could be specialized for use as, for example, proximity detectors, three-dimensional robotic vision systems, airborne terrain-mapping systems, and inspection systems.
Polarization tracking system for free-space optical communication, including quantum communication
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nordholt, Jane Elizabeth; Newell, Raymond Thorson; Peterson, Charles Glen
Quantum communication transmitters include beacon lasers that transmit a beacon optical signal in a predetermined state of polarization such as one of the states of polarization of a quantum communication basis. Changes in the beacon polarization are detected at a receiver, and a retarder is adjusted so that the states of polarization in a received quantum communication optical signal are matched to basis polarizations. The beacon and QC signals can be at different wavelengths so that the beacon does not interfere with detection and decoding of the QC optical signal.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Spence, Rodney L.
1993-01-01
The important principles of direct- and heterodyne-detection optical free-space communications are reviewed. Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and bit-error-rate (BER) expressions are derived for both the direct-detection and heterodyne-detection optical receivers. For the heterodyne system, performance degradation resulting from received-signal and local oscillator-beam misalignment and laser phase noise is analyzed. Determination of interfering background power from local and extended background sources is discussed. The BER performance of direct- and heterodyne-detection optical links in the presence of Rayleigh-distributed random pointing and tracking errors is described. Finally, several optical systems employing Nd:YAG, GaAs, and CO2 laser sources are evaluated and compared to assess their feasibility in providing high-data-rate (10- to 1000-Mbps) Mars-to-Earth communications. It is shown that the root mean square (rms) pointing and tracking accuracy is a critical factor in defining the system transmitting laser-power requirements and telescope size and that, for a given rms error, there is an optimum telescope aperture size that minimizes the required power. The results of the analysis conducted indicate that, barring the achievement of extremely small rms pointing and tracking errors (less than 0.2 microrad), the two most promising types of optical systems are those that use an Nd:YAG laser (lambda = 1.064 microns) and high-order pulse position modulator (PPM) and direct detection, and those that use a CO2 laser (lambda = 10.6 microns) and phase shifting keying homodyne modulation and coherent detection. For example, for a PPM order of M = 64 and an rms pointing accuracy of 0.4 microrad, an Nd:YAG system can be used to implement a 100-Mbps Mars link with a 40-cm transmitting telescope, a 20-W laser, and a 10-m receiving photon bucket. Under the same conditions, a CO2 system would require 3-m transmitting and receiving telescopes and a 32-W laser to implement such a link. Other types of optical systems, such as a semiconductor laser systems, are impractical in the presence of large rms pointing errors because of the high power requirements of the 100-Mbps Mars link, even when optimal-size telescopes are used.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kiasaleh, Kamran
1994-02-01
A novel optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) system for the self-homodyne detection of digitally phase modulated optical signals is introduced. A Mach-Zehnder type interferometer is used to self-homodyne binary phase-modulated optical signals with an external phase modulator inserted in the control arm of the interferometer.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tolls, Volker; Stringfellow, Guy (Technical Monitor)
2001-01-01
The purpose of this study is to advance the design of the optical setup for a wide-band Optical Modulation Spectrometer (OMS) for use with astronomical heterodyne receiver systems. This report describes the progress of this investigation achieved from March until December 2001.
Technology Development for High Efficiency Optical Communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Farr, William H.
2012-01-01
Deep space optical communications is a significantly more challenging operational domain than near Earth space optical communications, primarily due to effects resulting from the vastly increased range between transmitter and receiver. The NASA Game Changing Development Program Deep Space Optical Communications Project is developing four key technologies for the implementation of a high efficiency telecommunications system that will enable greater than 10X the data rate of a state-of-the-art deep space RF system (Ka-band) for similar transceiver mass and power burden on the spacecraft. These technologies are a low mass spacecraft disturbance isolation assembly, a flight qualified photon counting detector array, a high efficiency flight laser amplifier and a high efficiency photon counting detector array for the ground-based receiver.
Silicon photonics thermal phase shifter with reduced temperature range
Lentine, Anthony L; Kekatpure, Rohan D; DeRose, Christopher; Davids, Paul; Watts, Michael R
2013-12-17
Optical devices, phased array systems and methods of phase-shifting an input signal are provided. An optical device includes a microresonator and a waveguide for receiving an input optical signal. The waveguide includes a segment coupled to the microresonator with a coupling coefficient such that the waveguide is overcoupled to the microresonator. The microresonator received the input optical signal via the waveguide and phase-shifts the input optical signal to form an output optical signal. The output optical signal is coupled into the waveguide via the microresonator and transmitted by the waveguide. At an operating point of the optical device, the coupling coefficient is selected to reduce a change in an amplitude of the output optical signal and to increase a change in a phase of the output optical signal, relative to the input optical signal.
The hybrid photonic planar integrated receiver with a polymer optical waveguide
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Busek, Karel; Jerábek, Vitezslav; Armas Arciniega, Julio; Prajzler, Václav
2008-11-01
This article describes design of the photonic receiver composed of the system polymer planar waveguides, InGaAs p-i-n photodiode and integrated HBT amplifier on a low loss composite substrate. The photonic receiver was the main part of the hybrid integrated microwave optoelectronic transceiver TRx (transciever TRx) for the optical networks PON (passive optical networks) with FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) topology. In this article are presented the research results of threedimensional field between output facet of a optical waveguide and p-i-n photodiode. In terms of our research, there was optimized the optical coupling among the facet waveguide and pi-n photodiode and the electrical coupling among p-i-n photodiode and input of HBT amplifier. The hybrid planar lightwave circuit (PLC) of the transceiver TRx will be composed from a two parts - polymer optical waveguide including VHGT filter section and a optoelectronic microwave section.
Coherent optical modulation for antenna remoting
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fitzmartin, D. J.; Gels, R. G.; Balboni, E. J.
1991-01-01
A coherent fiber optic link employing wideband frequency modulation (FM) of the optical carrier is used to transfer radio frequency (RF) or microwave signals. This system is used to link a remotely located antenna to a conveniently located electronics processing site. The advantages of coherent analog fiber optic systems over non-coherent intensity modulated fiber optic analog transmission systems are described. An optical FM link employing an indirect transmitter to frequency modulate the optical carrier and a microwave delay line discriminator receiver is described. Measured performance data for a video signal centered at 60 MHz is presented showing the use of wideband FM in the link.
Optical add/drop filter for wavelength division multiplexed systems
Deri, Robert J.; Strand, Oliver T.; Garrett, Henry E.
2002-01-01
An optical add/drop filter for wavelength division multiplexed systems and construction methods are disclosed. The add/drop filter includes a first ferrule having a first pre-formed opening for receiving a first optical fiber; an interference filter oriented to pass a first set of wavelengths along the first optical fiber and reflect a second set of wavelengths; and, a second ferrule having a second pre-formed opening for receiving the second optical fiber, and the reflected second set of wavelengths. A method for constructing the optical add/drop filter consists of the steps of forming a first set of openings in a first ferrule; inserting a first set of optical fibers into the first set of openings; forming a first set of guide pin openings in the first ferrule; dividing the first ferrule into a first ferrule portion and a second ferrule portion; forming an interference filter on the first ferrule portion; inserting guide pins through the first set of guide pin openings in the first ferrule portion and second ferrule portion to passively align the first set of optical fibers; removing material such that light reflected from the interference filter from the first set of optical fibers is accessible; forming a second set of openings in a second ferrule; inserting a second set of optical fibers into the second set of openings; and positioning the second ferrule with respect to the first ferrule such that the second set of optical fibers receive the light reflected from the interference filter.
Chip-to-chip optical link by using optical wiring method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, In-Kui; Ahn, Seoung Ho; Jeong, Myung-Yung; Rho, Byung Sup; Park, Hyo Hoon
2008-01-01
A practical optical link system was prepared with a transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx). The optical TRx module consisted of a metal optical bench, a module printed circuit board (PCB), a driver/receiver IC, a VCSEL/PD array, and an optical link block composed of plastic optical fiber (POF). For the optical interconnection between the light-sources and detectors, an optical wiring method has been proposed to enable easy assembly. This paper provides a method for optical interconnection between an optical Tx and an optical Rx, comprising the following steps: (a) forming a light source device, an optical detection device, and an optical transmission unit on a substrate (metal optical bench (MOB)); (b) preparing a flexible optical transmission-connection medium (optical wiring link) to optically connect the light source device formed on the substrate with the optical detection device; and (c) directly connecting one end of the surface-finished optical transmission connection medium with the light source device and the other end with the optical detection device. A chip-to-chip optical link system constructed with TRx modules was fabricated and the optical characteristics were measured. The results clearly demonstrate that the use of an optical wiring method can provide robust and cost-effective assembly for vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and photodiodes (PDs). We successfully achieved a 5 Gb/s data transmission rate with this optical link.
Wang, Zhao; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Vermeulen, Diedrik; Chen, Long; Nielsen, Torben; Park, Seo Yeon; Ghaemi, Allan; Swanson, Eric; Doerr, Chris; Fujimoto, James
2015-07-01
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging method with many biomedical and non-medical applications. Miniaturization, cost reduction, and increased functionality of OCT systems will be critical for future emerging clinical applications. We present a silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) coherent receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature (IQ) detection. We demonstrate multiple functional capabilities of IQ polarization resolved detection including: complex-conjugate suppressed full-range OCT, polarization diversity detection, and polarization-sensitive OCT. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a silicon photonic integrated receiver for OCT. The integrated coherent receiver provides a miniaturized, low-cost solution for SS-OCT, and is also a key step towards a fully integrated high speed SS-OCT system with good performance and multi-functional capabilities. With further performance improvement and cost reduction, photonic integrated technology promises to greatly increase penetration of OCT systems in existing applications and enable new applications.
Wang, Zhao; Lee, Hsiang-Chieh; Vermeulen, Diedrik; Chen, Long; Nielsen, Torben; Park, Seo Yeon; Ghaemi, Allan; Swanson, Eric; Doerr, Chris; Fujimoto, James
2015-01-01
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely used three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging method with many biomedical and non-medical applications. Miniaturization, cost reduction, and increased functionality of OCT systems will be critical for future emerging clinical applications. We present a silicon photonic integrated circuit swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) coherent receiver with dual polarization, dual balanced, in-phase and quadrature (IQ) detection. We demonstrate multiple functional capabilities of IQ polarization resolved detection including: complex-conjugate suppressed full-range OCT, polarization diversity detection, and polarization-sensitive OCT. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a silicon photonic integrated receiver for OCT. The integrated coherent receiver provides a miniaturized, low-cost solution for SS-OCT, and is also a key step towards a fully integrated high speed SS-OCT system with good performance and multi-functional capabilities. With further performance improvement and cost reduction, photonic integrated technology promises to greatly increase penetration of OCT systems in existing applications and enable new applications. PMID:26203382
Optical communication for space missions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Firtmaurice, M.
1991-01-01
Activities performed at NASA/GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) related to direct detection optical communications for space applications are discussed. The following subject areas are covered: (1) requirements for optical communication systems (data rates and channel quality; spatial acquisition; fine tracking and pointing; and transmit point-ahead correction); (2) component testing and development (laser diodes performance characterization and life testing; and laser diode power combining); (3) system development and simulations (The GSFC pointing, acquisition and tracking system; hardware description; preliminary performance analysis; and high data rate transmitter/receiver systems); and (4) proposed flight demonstration of optical communications.
High Bandwidth Optical Links for Micro-Satellite Support
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chao, Tien-Hsin (Inventor); Wilson, Keith E. (Inventor); Coste, Keith (Inventor)
2016-01-01
A method, systems, apparatus and device enable high bandwidth satellite communications. An onboard tracking detector, installed in a low-earth orbit satellite, detects a position of an incoming optical beam received/transmitted from a first ground station of one or more ground stations. Tracker electronics determine orientation information of the incoming optical beam based on the position. Control electronics receive the orientation information from the tracker electronics, and control a waveguide drive electronics. The waveguide drive electronics control a voltage that is provided to an electro-optic waveguide beam steering device. The electro-optic waveguide beam steering device steers an outgoing optical beam to one of the one or more ground stations based on the voltage.
Optimization of spherical facets for parabolic solar concentrators
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
White, J. E.; Erikson, R. J.; Sturgis, J. D.; Elfe, T. B.
1986-01-01
Solar concentrator designs which employ deployable hexagonal panels are being developed for space power systems. An offset optical configuration has been developed which offers significant system level advantages over previously proposed collector designs for space applications. Optical analyses have been performed which show offset reflector intercept factors to be only slightly lower than those for symmetric reflectors with the same slope error. Fluxes on the receiver walls are asymmetric but manageable by varying the tilt angle of the receiver. Greater producibility is achieved by subdividing the hexagonal panels into triangular mirror facets of spherical contour. Optical analysis has been performed upon these to yield near-optimum sizes and radii.
Digital coherent receiver based transmitter penalty characterization.
Geisler, David J; Kaufmann, John E
2016-12-26
For optical communications links where receivers are signal-power-starved, such as through free-space, it is important to design transmitters and receivers that can operate as close as practically possible to theoretical limits. A total system penalty is typically assessed in terms of how far the end-to-end bit-error rate (BER) is from these limits. It is desirable, but usually difficult, to determine the division of this penalty between the transmitter and receiver. This paper describes a new rigorous and computationally based method that isolates which portion of the penalty can be assessed against the transmitter. There are two basic parts to this approach: (1) use of a coherent optical receiver to perform frequency down-conversion of a transmitter's optical signal waveform to the electrical domain, preserving both optical field amplitude and phase information, and (2): software-based analysis of the digitized electrical waveform. The result is a single numerical metric that quantifies how close a transmitter's signal waveform is to the ideal, based on its BER performance with a perfect software-defined matched-filter receiver demodulator. A detailed description of applying the proposed methodology to the waveform characterization of an optical burst-mode differential phase-shifted keying (DPSK) transmitter is experimentally demonstrated.
Method and device for measuring single-shot transient signals
Yin, Yan
2004-05-18
Methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for measuring multi-channel single-shot transient signals. A signal acquisition unit receives one or more single-shot pulses from a multi-channel source. An optical-fiber recirculating loop reproduces the one or more received single-shot optical pulses to form a first multi-channel pulse train for circulation in the recirculating loop, and a second multi-channel pulse train for display on a display device. The optical-fiber recirculating loop also optically amplifies the first circulating pulse train to compensate for signal losses and performs optical multi-channel noise filtration.
Ultrabroadband phased-array radio frequency (RF) receivers based on optical techniques
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Overmiller, Brock M.; Schuetz, Christopher A.; Schneider, Garrett; Murakowski, Janusz; Prather, Dennis W.
2014-03-01
Military operations require the ability to locate and identify electronic emissions in the battlefield environment. However, recent developments in radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and communications technology are making it harder to effectively identify such emissions. Phased array systems aid in discriminating emitters in the scene by virtue of their relatively high-gain beam steering and nulling capabilities. For the purpose of locating emitters, we present an approach realize a broadband receiver based on optical processing techniques applied to the response of detectors in conformal antenna arrays. This approach utilizes photonic techniques that enable us to capture, route, and process the incoming signals. Optical modulators convert the incoming signals up to and exceeding 110 GHz with appreciable conversion efficiency and route these signals via fiber optics to a central processing location. This central processor consists of a closed loop phase control system which compensates for phase fluctuations induced on the fibers due to thermal or acoustic vibrations as well as an optical heterodyne approach for signal conversion down to baseband. Our optical heterodyne approach uses injection-locked paired optical sources to perform heterodyne downconversion/frequency identification of the detected emission. Preliminary geolocation and frequency identification testing of electronic emissions has been performed demonstrating the capabilities of our RF receiver.
Towards Self-Clocked Gated OCDMA Receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Idris, S.; Osadola, T.; Glesk, I.
2013-02-01
A novel incoherent OCDMA receiver with incorporated all-optical clock recovery for self-synchronization of a time gate for the multi access interferences (MAI) suppression and minimizing the effect of data time jitter in incoherent OCDMA system was successfully developed and demonstrated. The solution was implemented and tested in a multiuser environment in an out of the laboratory OCDMA testbed with two-dimensional wavelength-hopping time-spreading coding scheme and OC-48 (2.5 Gbp/s) data rate. The self-clocked all-optical time gate uses SOA-based fibre ring laser optical clock, recovered all-optically from the received OCDMA traffic to control its switching window for cleaning the autocorrelation peak from the surrounding MAI. A wider eye opening was achieved when the all-optically recovered clock from received data was used for synchronization if compared to a static approach with the RF clock being generated by a RF synthesizer. Clean eye diagram was also achieved when recovered clock is used to drive time gating.
Proof of concept demonstration for coherent beam pattern measurements of KID detectors
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Davis, Kristina K.; Baryshev, Andrey M.; Jellema, Willem; Yates, Stephen J. C.; Ferrari, Lorenza; Baselmans, Jochem J. A.
2016-07-01
Here we summarize the initial results from a complex field radiation pattern measurement of a kinetic inductance detector instrument. These detectors are phase insensitive and have thus been limited to scalar, or amplitude-only, beam measurements. Vector beam scans, of both amplitude and phase, double the information received in comparison to scalar beam scans. Scalar beam measurements require multiple scans at varying distances along the optical path of the receiver to fully constrain the divergence angle of the optical system and locate the primary focus. Vector scans provide this information with a single scan, reducing the total measurement time required for new systems and also limiting the influence of system instabilities. The vector scan can be taken at any point along the optical axis of the system including the near-field, which makes beam measurements possible for large systems at high frequencies where these measurements may be inconceivable to be tested in-situ. Therefore, the methodology presented here should enable common heterodyne analysis for direct detector instruments. In principle, this coherent measurement strategy allows phase dependent analysis to be performed on any direct-detect receiver instrument.
Effect of Pointing Error on the BER Performance of an Optical CDMA FSO Link with SIK Receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nazrul Islam, A. K. M.; Majumder, S. P.
2017-12-01
An analytical approach is presented for an optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) system over free space optical (FSO) channel considering the effect of pointing error between the transmitter and the receiver. Analysis is carried out with an optical sequence inverse keying (SIK) correlator receiver with intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD) to find the bit error rate (BER) with pointing error. The results are evaluated numerically in terms of signal-to-noise plus multi-access interference (MAI) ratio, BER and power penalty due to pointing error. It is noticed that the OCDMA FSO system is highly affected by pointing error with significant power penalty at a BER of 10-6 and 10-9. For example, penalty at BER 10-9 is found to be 9 dB corresponding to normalized pointing error of 1.4 for 16 users with processing gain of 256 and is reduced to 6.9 dB when the processing gain is increased to 1,024.
Alignment of optical system components using an ADM beam through a null assembly
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hayden, Joseph E. (Inventor); Olczak, Eugene G. (Inventor)
2010-01-01
A system for testing an optical surface includes a rangefinder configured to emit a light beam and a null assembly located between the rangefinder and the optical surface. The null assembly is configured to receive and to reflect the emitted light beam toward the optical surface. The light beam reflected from the null assembly is further reflected back from the optical surface toward the null assembly as a return light beam. The rangefinder is configured to measure a distance to the optical surface using the return light beam.
42.8 Gb/s ASK homodyne receiver using standard DFB lasers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Becker, D.; Mohr, D.; Datta, S.; Wree, C.; Bhandare, S.; Joshi, A.
2009-05-01
Optical synchronous coherent detection is attracting greater attention within the defense and security community because it allows linear recovery both of the amplitude and phase of optical signals. Fiber-based transmission impairments such as chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion can be compensated in the electrical domain. Additionally, synchronous detection offers the potential of improved receiver sensitivity and extended reach versus direct or interferometric detection schemes. 28 Gbaud/112 Gb/s and 42.8 Gbaud transmissions are now being considered in fiber networks worldwide. Due to the lack of broadband high frequency components centered at IF values of 56 GHz and 86 GHz, respectively, the coherent heterodyne approach is not viable for these baud rates. The homodyne approach remains one of the choices available to fully exploit the advantages of synchronous coherent detection at these transmission data rates. In order to implement the homodyne receiver, optical phase locking between the signal and local oscillator laser (LO) is required. Digital approaches for this task rely upon very complex, fast, and high power-consumption chips. A homodyne receiver using an analog approach for phase locking would allow for increased system simplicity at a lower cost. Use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) DFB lasers embedded within the receiver would also increase system feasibility for defense applications. We demonstrate synchronous demodulation of a 42.8 Gbaud signal using an analog optical phase-locked loop. The homodyne system was optimized to use COTS DFB lasers having an aggregate linewidth of ~2 MHz. We also analyze the impact of uncompensated phase noise on receiver performance.
The calculation of average error probability in a digital fibre optical communication system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rugemalira, R. A. M.
1980-03-01
This paper deals with the problem of determining the average error probability in a digital fibre optical communication system, in the presence of message dependent inhomogeneous non-stationary shot noise, additive Gaussian noise and intersymbol interference. A zero-forcing equalization receiver filter is considered. Three techniques for error rate evaluation are compared. The Chernoff bound and the Gram-Charlier series expansion methods are compared to the characteristic function technique. The latter predicts a higher receiver sensitivity
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1973-01-01
An optical system which can be incorporated in a present day or near future space-borne laser communications system is described. Techniques of implementing these systems are presented and their design problems and use are discussed. Optical system weight is estimated as a function of aperture diameter for a typical present day or near future laser communication system. The optical communications system considered is a two-way, high data rate optical communications link from a spacecraft to a spacecraft or from a spacecraft to a ground station. Each station has a laser transmitter and receiver and a pointing and tracking system. Thus each station can track the laser transmitter of the other. Optical beamwidths are considered to be as small as an arc-second with the beam pointed to a fraction of this beamwidth.
Optical interconnection and packaging technologies for advanced avionics systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schroeder, J. E.; Christian, N. L.; Cotti, B.
1992-09-01
An optical backplane developed to demonstrate the advantages of high-performance optical interconnections and supporting technologies and designed to be compatible with standard avionics racks is described. The hardware demonstrates the three basic components of optical interconnects: optical sources, an optical signal distribution network, and optical receivers. Results from characterization and environmental tests, including a demonstration of the reliable transmission of serial data at a 1 Gb/s, are reported.
Optical multi-species gas monitoring sensor and system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Polzin, Kurt A. (Inventor)
2012-01-01
The system includes at least one light source generating light energy having a corresponding wavelength. The system's sensor is based on an optical interferometer that receives light energy from each light source. The interferometer includes a free-space optical path disposed in an environment of interest. The system's sensor includes an optical device disposed in the optical path that causes light energy of a first selected wavelength to continue traversing the optical path whereas light energy of at least one second selected wavelength is directed away from the optical path. The interferometer generates an interference between the light energy of the first selected wavelength so-traversing the optical path with the light energy at the corresponding wavelength incident on the optical interferometer. A first optical detector detects the interference. At least one second detector detects the light energy at the at least one second selected wavelength directed away from the optical path.
Fiberoptics technology and its application to propulsion control systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Baumbick, R. J.
1983-01-01
Electro-optical systems have many advantages over conventional electrical systems. Among these are optics' insensitivity to electro-magnetic interference, good electrical isolation and the ability to make measurements in highly explosive areas without risk. These advantages promise to help improve the reliability of future aircraft engine control systems which will be entirely electronic digital. To improve the reliability of these systems, especially against lightning strikes, passive, optical, sensors and fiberoptic transmission lines are being considered for use in future engine systems. Also under consideration are actuators which receive their command signals over fiber optic cables. This paper reviews concepts used for optical instrumentation and actuation systems and discusses work being done by NASA Lewis Research Center in this area.
Wang, Yun; Lan, Tian; Ni, Guoqiang
2016-12-20
We propose a scheme for designing a new optical receiving system that can reduce the received-energy spot size via integration of a compound parabolic concentrator with a hemispherical lens. SolidWorks is used to model the receiving system, while TracePro is employed for simulations. The field of view is set to 30° and the radius of the compound parabolic concentrator outlet is 5 mm, which is also the radius of the hemispherical lens. Ray-tracing results show that under the given simulation conditions, the radius of the spot area is reduced from 5 to 3 mm at the receiving system and the gain is 5.2. In regard to the relations between received power and the radius of the hemispherical lens R, and the received power and the distance d between the compound parabolic concentrator and hemispherical lens, our detailed analysis yields the following characteristics: (1) the received power increases as R increases, but decreases as d increases; (2) as R increases, the spot area increases and the received flux is dispersed over the receiving plane, which dispersion is disadvantageous for high-speed communication; (3) the gain of the receiving system also varies with R and d; (4) an increase in d leads to decrease in the received flux and gain when d>-2 mm. Based on these characteristics, we set R=5 mm and calculate the energy efficiency. We obtain maximum energy efficiencies for different detection areas.
Systematic approach for describing the geometry of spectrophotometry
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Early, Edward A.
2003-07-01
In the field of spectrophotometry, the value of the quantities depends upon the geometry under which they are measured. Therefore, it is imperative to completely describe the measurement geometry. Many documentary standards specify the geometry for a particular application. However, to accurately specify the geometry, a general, basic understanding of the relevant parameters for describing the geometry is required. A systematic approach for describing the measurement geometry is presented, which will hopefully have a positive impact on documentary standards. The key to describing the geometry is to consider the illuminator and receiver of the instrument as optical systems with pupils and windows. It is these optical systems, together with the reference plane, that determine the sampling aperture of the instrument. The geometry is then completely described by the relations between the sampling aperture and the optical systems of the illuminator and receiver. These concepts are illustrated by considering three configurations of pupils and windows relative to the focal point of an optical system.
Remote control radioactive-waste removal system uses modulated laser transmitter
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Burcher, E. E.; Kopia, L. P.; Rowland, C. W.; Sinclair, A. R.
1971-01-01
Laser remote control system consists of transmitter, auto tracker, and receiver. Transmitter and tracker, packaged together and bore sighted, constitute control station, receiver is slave station. Model has five command channels and optical link operating range of 110 m.
The Level 0 Pixel Trigger system for the ALICE experiment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aglieri Rinella, G.; Kluge, A.; Krivda, M.; ALICE Silicon Pixel Detector project
2007-01-01
The ALICE Silicon Pixel Detector contains 1200 readout chips. Fast-OR signals indicate the presence of at least one hit in the 8192 pixel matrix of each chip. The 1200 bits are transmitted every 100 ns on 120 data readout optical links using the G-Link protocol. The Pixel Trigger System extracts and processes them to deliver an input signal to the Level 0 trigger processor targeting a latency of 800 ns. The system is compact, modular and based on FPGA devices. The architecture allows the user to define and implement various trigger algorithms. The system uses advanced 12-channel parallel optical fiber modules operating at 1310 nm as optical receivers and 12 deserializer chips closely packed in small area receiver boards. Alternative solutions with multi-channel G-Link deserializers implemented directly in programmable hardware devices were investigated. The design of the system and the progress of the ALICE Pixel Trigger project are described in this paper.
Introduction of a new opto-electrical phase-locked loop in CMOS technology: the PMD-PLL
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ringbeck, Thorsten; Schwarte, Rudolf; Buxbaum, Bernd
1999-12-01
The huge and increasing need of information in the industrial world demands an enormous potential of bandwidth in telecommunication systems. Optical communication provides all participants with the whole spectrum of digital services like videophone, cable TV, video conferencing and online services. Especially fast and low cost opto-electrical receivers are badly needed in order to expand fiber networks to every home (FTTH--fiber to the home or FTTD--fiber to the desk, respectively). This paper proposes a new receiver structure which is designed to receiver optical data which are encoded by code division multiple access techniques (CDMA). For data recovery in such CDMA networks phase locked loops (PLL) are needed, which synchronize the local oscillator with the incoming clock. In optical code division multiple access networks these PLLs could be realized either with an electrical PLL after opto-electrical converting or directly in the optical path with a pure optical PLL.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Lihua; Ma, Jianshe; Liu, Lin; Pan, Longfa; Zhang, Jianyong; Lu, Junhui
2005-09-01
It is well known that the optical pick-up (OPU) plays a very important role in optical storage system. And the quality of OPU can be measured by the characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage. Therefore this paper mainly designs an OPU model for high density optical storage to study the characteristics of OPU read-out spot. Firstly it analyses the optical read-out principle in OPU and contrives an optical read-out system based on the hereinbefore theory. In this step it chiefly designs the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens. Secondly based on the aberrations analysis and theory involved by the splitter, the collimator lens and the optical lens, the paper uses the software CODE V to calculate the aberrations and to optimize the optical read-out system. Then the author can receive an ideal OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage and obtain the characteristics of the ideal OPU read-out spot. At the same time this paper analyses some influence factors which can directly affect the characteristics of the OPU read-out spot. Thirdly according to the up data the author practically manufactures a real optical pick-up to validate the hereinbefore designed optical read-out system. And it uses the Optical Spot Analyzer to get the image of the read-out spot. Comparing the ideal image to the actual image of the designed optical read-out system, the author finds out that the upwards analyses and design is suitable for high density storage and can be used in the actual production. And the author also receives the conclusion that the mostly influences on characteristics of OPU read-out spot for high density optical storage factors is not only the process of designing the grating, splitter, collimator lens and objective lens, but also the assembling work precision
Prefire identification for pulse-power systems
Longmire, J.L.; Thuot, M.E.; Warren, D.S.
1982-08-23
Prefires in a high-power, high-frequency, multi-stage pulse generator are detected by a system having an EMI shielded pulse timing transmitter associated with and tailored to each stage of the pulse generator. Each pulse timing transmitter upon detection of a pulse triggers a laser diode to send an optical signal through a high frequency fiber optic cable to a pulse timing receiver which converts the optical signal to an electrical pulse. The electrical pulses from all pulse timing receivers are fed through an OR circuit to start a time interval measuring device and each electrical pulse is used to stop an individual channel in the measuring device thereby recording the firing sequence of the multi-stage pulse generator.
Prefire identification for pulse power systems
Longmire, Jerry L.; Thuot, Michael E.; Warren, David S.
1985-01-01
Prefires in a high-power, high-frequency, multi-stage pulse generator are detected by a system having an EMI shielded pulse timing transmitter associated with and tailored to each stage of the pulse generator. Each pulse timing transmitter upon detection of a pulse triggers a laser diode to send an optical signal through a high frequency fiber optic cable to a pulse timing receiver which converts the optical signal to an electrical pulse. The electrical pulses from all pulse timing receivers are fed through an OR circuit to start a time interval measuring device and each electrical pulse is used to stop an individual channel in the measuring device thereby recording the firing sequence of the multi-stage pulse generator.
Understanding Beam Alignment in a Coherent Lidar System
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Prasad, Narasimha S.; Roychoudhari, Chandrasekhar
2015-01-01
Optical beam alignment in a coherent lidar (or ladar) receiver system plays a critical role in optimizing its performance. Optical alignment in a coherent lidar system dictates the wavefront curvature (phase front) and Poynting vector) matching of the local oscillator beam with the incoming receiver beam on a detector. However, this alignment is often not easy to achieve and is rarely perfect. Furthermore, optical fibers are being increasingly used in coherent lidar system receivers for transporting radiation to achieve architectural elegance. Single mode fibers also require stringent mode matching for efficient light coupling. The detector response characteristics vary with the misalignment of the two pointing vectors. Misalignment can lead to increase in DC current. Also, a lens in front of the detector may exasperate phase front and Poynting vector mismatch. Non-Interaction of Waves, or the NIW property indicates the light beams do not interfere by themselves in the absence of detecting dipoles. In this paper, we will analyze the extent of misalignment on the detector specifications using pointing vectors of mixing beams in light of the NIW property.
Simulation realization of 2-D wavelength/time system utilizing MDW code for OCDMA system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azura, M. S. A.; Rashidi, C. B. M.; Aljunid, S. A.; Endut, R.; Ali, N.
2017-11-01
This paper presents a realization of Wavelength/Time (W/T) Two-Dimensional Modified Double Weight (2-D MDW) code for Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) system based on Spectral Amplitude Coding (SAC) approach. The MDW code has the capability to suppress Phase-Induce Intensity Noise (PIIN) and minimizing the Multiple Access Interference (MAI) noises. At the permissible BER 10-9, the 2-D MDW (APD) had shown minimum effective received power (Psr) = -71 dBm that can be obtained at the receiver side as compared to 2-D MDW (PIN) only received -61 dBm. The results show that 2-D MDW (APD) has better performance in achieving same BER with longer optical fiber length and with less received power (Psr). Also, the BER from the result shows that MDW code has the capability to suppress PIIN ad MAI.
Aspects of the optical system relevant for the KM3NeT timing calibration
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kieft, Gerard
2016-04-01
KM3NeT is a future research infrastructure in the Mediterranean Sea housing the large Cherenkov telescope arrays of optical modules for neutrino detection. The detector control and data transmission system is based on fibre optical technology. For timing calibration of the detector signals the optical system is used to send and fan-out an onshore clock signal, derived from a GPS receiver, to all optical modules in the deep sea. The optical modules use this clock signal to time stamp the light pulses detected by the photomultipliers inside the modules. The delay time between the GPS clock on shore and the clock in each optical module is measured with sub-nanosecond precision using a White Rabbit based timing calibration system. The aspects of the optical system relevant for the timing calibration and the quantification of their effect will be presented.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kerslake, Thomas W.; Fincannon, James
1995-01-01
The United States and Russia have agreed to jointly develop a solar dynamic (SD) system for flight demonstration on the Russian MIR space station starting in late 1997. Two important components of this SD system are the solar concentrator and heat receiver provided by Russia and the U.S., respectively. This paper describes optical analysis of the concentrator and solar flux predictions on target receiver surfaces. The optical analysis is performed using the code CIRCE2. These analyses account for finite sun size with limb darkening, concentrator surface slope and position errors, concentrator petal thermal deformation, gaps between petals, and the shading effect of the receiver support struts. The receiver spatial flux distributions are then combined with concentrator shadowing predictions. Geometric shadowing patterns are traced from the concentrator to the target receiver surfaces. These patterns vary with time depending on the chosen MIR flight attitude and orbital mechanics of the MIR spacecraft. The resulting predictions provide spatial and temporal receiver flux distributions for any specified mission profile. The impact these flux distributions have on receiver design and control of the Brayton engine are discussed.
Generation of a CW local oscillator signal using a stabilized injection locked semiconductor laser
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pezeshki, Jonah Massih
In high speed-communications, it is desirable to be able to detect small signals while maintaining a low bit-error rate. Conventional receivers for high-speed fiber optic networks are Amplified Direct Detectors (ADDs) that use erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) before the detector to achieve a suitable sensitivity. In principle, a better method for obtaining the maximum possible signal to noise ratio is through the use of homodyne detection. The major difficulty in implementing a homodyne detection system is the generation of a suitable local oscillator signal. This local oscillator signal must be at the same frequency as the received data signal, as well as be phase coherent with it. To accomplish this, a variety of synchronization techniques have been explored, including Optical Phase-Lock Loops (OPLL), Optical Injection Locking (OIL) with both Fabry-Perot and DFB lasers, and an Optical Injection Phase-Lock Loop (OIPLL). For this project I have implemented a method for regenerating a local oscillator from a portion of the received optical signal. This regenerated local oscillator is at the same frequency, and is phase coherent with, the received optical signal. In addition, we show that the injection locking process can be electronically stabilized by using the modulation transfer ratio of the slave laser as a monitor, given either a DFB or Fabry-Perot slave laser. We show that this stabilization technique maintains injection lock (given a locking range of ˜1GHz) for laser drift much greater than what is expected in a typical transmission system. In addition, we explore the quality of the output of the slave laser, and analyze its suitability as a local oscillator signal for a homodyne receiver.
Center for Space Telemetering and Telecommunications Systems, New Mexico State University
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Horan, Stephen; DeLeon, Phillip; Borah, Deva; Lyman, Ray
2002-01-01
This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of the Center for Space Telemetering and Telecommunications Systems activities at New Mexico State University. Presentations cover the following topics: (1) small satellite communications, including nanosatellite radio and virtual satellite development; (2) modulation and detection studies, including details on smooth phase interpolated keying (SPIK) spectra and highlights of an adaptive turbo multiuser detector; (3) decoupled approaches to nonlinear ISI compensation; (4) space internet testing; (4) optical communication; (5) Linux-based receiver for lightweight optical communications without a laser in space, including software design, performance analysis, and the receiver algorithm; (6) carrier tracking hardware; and (7) subband transforms for adaptive direct sequence spread spectrum receivers.
Adaptive optics compensation over a 3 km near horizontal path
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mackey, Ruth; Dainty, Chris
2008-10-01
We present results of adaptive optics compensation at the receiver of a 3km optical link using a beacon laser operating at 635nm. The laser is transmitted from the roof of a seven-storey building over a near horizontal path towards a 127 mm optical receiver located on the second-floor of the Applied Optics Group at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The wavefront of the scintillated beam is measured using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWFS) with high-speed CMOS camera capable of frame rates greater than 1kHz. The strength of turbulence is determined from the fluctuations in differential angle-of-arrival in the wavefront sensor measurements and from the degree of scintillation in the pupil plane. Adaptive optics compensation is applied using a tip-tilt mirror and 37 channel membrane mirror and controlled using a single desktop computer. The performance of the adaptive optics system in real turbulence is compared with the performance of the system in a controlled laboratory environment, where turbulence is generated using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator.
Optimization of an Offset Receiver Optics for Radio Telescopes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yeap, Kim Ho; Tham, Choy Yoong
2018-01-01
The latest generation of Cassegrain radio astronomy antennas is designed for multiple frequency bands with receivers for individual bands offset from the antenna axis. The offset feed arrangement typically has two focusing elements in the form of ellipsoidal mirrors in the optical path between the feed horn and the antenna focus. This arrangement aligns the beam from the offset feed horn to illuminate the subreflector. The additional focusing elements increase the number of design variables, namely the distances between the horn aperture and the first mirror and that between the two mirrors, and their focal lengths. There are a huge number of possible combinations of these four variables in which the optics system can take on. The design aim is to seek the combination that will give the optimum antenna efficiency, not only at the centre frequency of the particular band but also across its bandwidth. To pick the optimum combination of the variables, it requires working through, by computational mean, a continuum range of variable values at different frequencies which will fit the optics system within the allocated physical space. Physical optics (PO) is a common technique used in optics design. However, due to the repeated iteration of the huge number of computation involved, the use of PO is not feasible. We present a procedure based on using multimode Gaussian optics to pick the optimum design and using PO for final verification of the system performance. The best antenna efficiency is achieved when the beam illuminating the subreflector is truncated with the optimum edge taper. The optimization procedure uses the beam's edge taper at the subreflector as the iteration target. The band 6 receiver optics design for the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) antenna is used to illustrate the optimization procedure.
Comparison-based optical study on a point-line-coupling-focus system with linear Fresnel heliostats.
Dai, Yanjun; Li, Xian; Zhou, Lingyu; Ma, Xuan; Wang, Ruzhu
2016-05-16
Concentrating the concept of a beam-down solar tower with linear Fresnel heliostat (PLCF) is one of the feasible choices and has great potential in reducing spot size and improving optical efficiency. Optical characteristics of a PLCF system with the hyperboloid reflector are introduced and investigated theoretically. Taking into account solar position and optical surface errors, a Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) analysis model for a PLCF system is developed and applied in a comparison-based study on the optical performance between the PLCF system and the conventional beam-down solar tower system with flat and spherical heliostats. The optimal square facet of linear Fresnel heliostat is also proposed for matching with the 3D-CPC receiver.
Analysis of the performance of a wireless optical multi-input to multi-output communication system.
Bushuev, Denis; Arnon, Shlomi
2006-07-01
We investigate robust optical wireless communication in a highly scattering propagation medium using multielement optical detector arrays. The communication setup consists of synchronized multiple transmitters that send information to a receiver array and an atmospheric propagation channel. The mathematical model that best describes this scenario is multi-input to multi-output communication through stochastic slow changing channels. In this model, signals from m transmitters are received by n receiver-detectors. The channel transfer function matrix is G, and its size is n x m. G(i,j) is the transfer function from transmitter i to detector j, and m > or = n. We adopt a quasi-stationary approach in which the channel time variation has a negligible effect on communication performance over a burst. The G matrix is calculated on the basis of the optical transfer function of the atmospheric channel (composed of aerosol and turbulence elements) and the receiver's optics. In this work we derive a performance model using environmental data, such as documented turbulence and aerosol models and noise statistics. We also present the results of simulations conducted for the proposed detection algorithm.
Underwater wireless optical MIMO system with spatial modulation and adaptive power allocation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Huang, Aiping; Tao, Linwei; Niu, Yilong
2018-04-01
In this paper, we investigate the performance of underwater wireless optical multiple-input multiple-output communication system combining spatial modulation (SM-UOMIMO) with flag dual amplitude pulse position modulation (FDAPPM). Channel impulse response for coastal and harbor ocean water links are obtained by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Moreover, we obtain the closed-form and upper bound average bit error rate (BER) expressions for receiver diversity including optical combining, equal gain combining and selected combining. And a novel adaptive power allocation algorithm (PAA) is proposed to minimize the average BER of SM-UOMIMO system. Our numeric results indicate an excellent match between the analytical results and numerical simulations, which confirms the accuracy of our derived expressions. Furthermore, the results show that adaptive PAA outperforms conventional fixed factor PAA and equal PAA obviously. Multiple-input single-output system with adaptive PAA obtains even better BER performance than MIMO one, at the same time reducing receiver complexity effectively.
Theoretical evaluation of scattering effect on retroreflective free-space optical communication.
Yin, Hongwei; Lan, Tianpeng; Zhang, Hailiang; Jia, Honghui; Chang, Shengli; Yang, Juncai
2012-12-01
Retroreflective free-space optical (RFSO) communication is a new concept of optical communication; it consists of an optical transceiver and a retromodulator and has advantages such as light weight, small volume, and low power consumption. The power captured by the receiver consists of two parts: retroreflective and scattering. The retroreflective characteristics are obtained using an analytical formula, the scattering characteristics using a Monte Carlo model. Results show that the scattering power plays an important role in a RFSO communication link, especially when the communication range is long or the meteorological range is short. Some rules are also obtained for the sake of system design, which include increasing the range from the transmitter and the receiver properly, increasing the area of the retromodulator, limiting the field of view of the receiver, and limiting the beam divergence of the transmitter.
High data rate optical transceiver terminal
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Clarke, E. S.
1973-01-01
The objectives of this study were: (1) to design a 400 Mbps optical transceiver terminal to operate from a high-altitude balloon-borne platform in order to permit the quantitative evaluation of a space-qualifiable optical communications system design, (2) to design an atmospheric propagation experiment to operate in conjunction with the terminal to measure the degrading effects of the atmosphere on the links, and (3) to design typical optical communications experiments for space-borne laboratories in the 1980-1990 time frame. As a result of the study, a transceiver package has been configured for demonstration flights during late 1974. The transceiver contains a 400 Mbps transmitter, a 400 Mbps receiver, and acquisition and tracking receivers. The transmitter is a Nd:YAG, 200 Mhz, mode-locked, CW, diode-pumped laser operating at 1.06 um requiring 50 mW for 6 db margin. It will be designed to implement Pulse Quaternary Modulation (PQM). The 400 Mbps receiver utilizes a Dynamic Crossed-Field Photomultiplier (DCFP) detector. The acquisition receiver is a Quadrant Photomultiplier Tube (QPMT) and receives a 400 Mbps signal chopped at 0.1 Mhz.
An advanced optical system for laser ablation propulsion in space
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bergstue, Grant; Fork, Richard; Reardon, Patrick
2014-03-01
We propose a novel space-based ablation driven propulsion engine concept utilizing transmitted energy in the form of a series of ultra-short optical pulses. Key differences are generating the pulses at the transmitting spacecraft and the safe delivery of that energy to the receiving spacecraft for propulsion. By expanding the beam diameter during transmission in space, the energy can propagate at relatively low intensity and then be refocused and redistributed to create an array of ablation sites at the receiver. The ablation array strategy allows greater control over flight dynamics and eases thermal management. Research efforts for this transmission and reception of ultra-short optical pulses include: (1) optical system design; (2) electrical system requirements; (3) thermal management; (4) structured energy transmission safety. Research has also been focused on developing an optical switch concept for the multiplexing of the ultra-short pulses. This optical switch strategy implements multiple reflectors polished into a rotating momentum wheel device to combine the pulses from different laser sources. The optical system design must minimize the thermal load on any one optical element. Initial specifications and modeling for the optical system are being produced using geometrical ray-tracing software to give a better understanding of the optical requirements. In regards to safety, we have advanced the retro-reflective beam locking strategy to include look-ahead capabilities for long propagation distances. Additional applications and missions utilizing multiplexed pulse transmission are also presented. Because the research is in early development, it provides an opportunity for new and valuable advances in the area of transmitted energy for propulsion as well as encourages joint international efforts. Researchers from different countries can cooperate in order to find constructive and safe uses of ordered pulse transmission for propulsion in future space-based missions.
Figure of merit for direct-detection optical channels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, C.-C.
1992-01-01
The capacity and sensitivity of a direct-detection optical channel are calculated and compared to those of a white Gaussian noise channel. Unlike Gaussian channels in which the receiver performance can be characterized using the noise temperature, the performance of the direct-detection channel depends on both signal and background noise, as well as the ratio of peak to average signal power. Because of the signal-power dependence of the optical channel, actual performance of the channel can be evaluated only by considering both transmit and receive ends of the systems. Given the background noise power and the modulation bandwidth, however, the theoretically optimum receiver sensitivity can be calculated. This optimum receiver sensitivity can be used to define the equivalent receiver noise temperature and calculate the corresponding G/T product. It should be pointed out, however, that the receiver sensitivity is a function of signal power, and care must be taken to avoid deriving erroneous projections of the direct-detection channel performance.
Low temperature monitoring system for subsurface barriers
Vinegar, Harold J [Bellaire, TX; McKinzie, II Billy John [Houston, TX
2009-08-18
A system for monitoring temperature of a subsurface low temperature zone is described. The system includes a plurality of freeze wells configured to form the low temperature zone, one or more lasers, and a fiber optic cable coupled to at least one laser. A portion of the fiber optic cable is positioned in at least one freeze well. At least one laser is configured to transmit light pulses into a first end of the fiber optic cable. An analyzer is coupled to the fiber optic cable. The analyzer is configured to receive return signals from the light pulses.
Analog nonlinear MIMO receiver for optical mode division multiplexing transmission.
Spalvieri, Arnaldo; Boffi, Pierpaolo; Pecorino, Simone; Barletta, Luca; Magarini, Maurizio; Gatto, Alberto; Martelli, Paolo; Martinelli, Mario
2013-10-21
The complexity and the power consumption of digital signal processing are crucial issues in optical transmission systems based on mode division multiplexing and coherent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processing at the receiver. In this paper the inherent characteristic of spatial separation between fiber modes is exploited, getting a MIMO system where joint demultiplexing and detection is based on spatially separated photodetectors. After photodetection, one has a MIMO system with nonlinear crosstalk between modes. The paper shows that the nonlinear crosstalk can be dealt with by a low-complexity and non-adaptive detection scheme, at least in the cases presented in the paper.
Optical Signal Processing: Poisson Image Restoration and Shearing Interferometry
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hong, Yie-Ming
1973-01-01
Optical signal processing can be performed in either digital or analog systems. Digital computers and coherent optical systems are discussed as they are used in optical signal processing. Topics include: image restoration; phase-object visualization; image contrast reversal; optical computation; image multiplexing; and fabrication of spatial filters. Digital optical data processing deals with restoration of images degraded by signal-dependent noise. When the input data of an image restoration system are the numbers of photoelectrons received from various areas of a photosensitive surface, the data are Poisson distributed with mean values proportional to the illuminance of the incoherently radiating object and background light. Optical signal processing using coherent optical systems is also discussed. Following a brief review of the pertinent details of Ronchi's diffraction grating interferometer, moire effect, carrier-frequency photography, and achromatic holography, two new shearing interferometers based on them are presented. Both interferometers can produce variable shear.
A ten-meter optical telescope for deep-space communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shaik, Kamran; Kerr, Edwin L.
1990-01-01
Optical communications using laser light in the visible spectral range is being considered for future deep-space missions. Such a system will require a large telescope in earth vicinity to be used as a receiving station for data return from the spacecraft. A preliminary discussion for a ground-based receiving station consisting of a 10-meter hexagonally segmented primary with high surface tolerance and a unique sunshade is presented.
Optical communication in free space
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Plotkin, H. H.; Mcavoy, N.; Fitzmaurice, M. W.
1974-01-01
Two classes of laser communication systems for handling very high data rates across inter-satellite distances are considered that provide for high antenna gains, wide modulation bandwidths, and optical receiver sensitivities. System design considerations are based upon the carbon dioxide laser modulation to accommodate digital or analog information, and the neodymium doped YAG laser pulse for digital modulation.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
DeYoung, Russell J.; Goldschmidt, Soenke
1999-01-01
Measurements of global atmosphere ozone concentrations call for flexible lidar systems that can be operated from an unpiloted atmospheric vehicle (UAV) to reduce the cost of measurement missions. A lidar receiver system consisting of a fiber-optic-coupled telescope has been designed and tested for this purpose. The system weight is 13 kg and its volume of 0.06 m 3 would fit into the payload compartment of a Perseus B UAV. The optical efficiency of the telescope is 37 percent at 288 nm and 64 percent at 300 nm. Atmospheric measurements with a DIAL laser system have been performed, and the measured ozone density has matched the data from ozonesondes to an altitude of 7 km.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shi, Sheng-bing; Chen, Zhen-xing; Qin, Shao-gang; Song, Chun-yan; Jiang, Yun-hong
2014-09-01
With the development of science and technology, photoelectric equipment comprises visible system, infrared system, laser system and so on, integration, information and complication are higher than past. Parallelism and jumpiness of optical axis are important performance of photoelectric equipment,directly affect aim, ranging, orientation and so on. Jumpiness of optical axis directly affect hit precision of accurate point damage weapon, but we lack the facility which is used for testing this performance. In this paper, test system which is used fo testing parallelism and jumpiness of optical axis is devised, accurate aim isn't necessary and data processing are digital in the course of testing parallelism, it can finish directly testing parallelism of multi-axes, aim axis and laser emission axis, parallelism of laser emission axis and laser receiving axis and first acuualizes jumpiness of optical axis of optical sighting device, it's a universal test system.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Ze-xin; Chen, Kuan
2008-03-01
Biochemical analyzer is one of the important instruments in the clinical diagnosis, and its optical system is the important component. The operation of this optical system can be regard as three parts. The first is transforms the duplicate colored light as the monochromatic light. The second is transforms the light signal of the monochromatic, which have the information of the measured sample, as the electric signal by use the photoelectric detector. And the last is to send the signal to data processing system by use the control system. Generally, there are three types monochromators: prism, optical grating and narrow-band pass filter. Thereinto, the narrow-band pass filter were widely used in the semi-auto biochemical analyzer. Through analysed the principle of biochemical analyzer base on the narrow-band pass filter, we known that the optical has three features. The first is the optical path of the optical system is a non- imaging system. The second, this system is wide spectrum region that contain visible light and ultraviolet spectrum. The third, this is a little aperture and little field monochromatic light system. Therefore, design idea of this optical system is: (1) luminous energy in the system less transmission loss; (2) detector coupled to the luminous energy efficient; mainly correct spherical aberration. Practice showed the point of Image quality evaluation: (1) dispersion circle diameter equal the receiving device pixel effective width of 125%, and the energy distribution should point target of 80% of energy into the receiving device pixel width of the effective diameter in this dispersion circle; (2) With MTF evaluation, the requirements in 20lp/ mm spatial frequency, the MTF values should not be lower than 0.6. The optical system should be fit in with ultraviolet and visible light width spectrum, and the detector image plane can but suited the majority visible light spectrum when by defocus optimization, and the image plane of violet and ultraviolet excursion quite large. Traditional biochemical analyzer optical design not fully consider this point, the authors introduce a effective image plane compensation measure innovatively, it greatly increased the reception efficiency of the violet and ultraviolet.
Active imaging system with Faraday filter
Snyder, James J.
1993-01-01
An active imaging system has a low to medium powered laser transmitter and receiver wherein the receiver includes a Faraday filter with an ultranarrow optical bandpass and a bare (nonintensified) CCD camera. The laser is locked in the vicinity of the passband of the Faraday filter. The system has high sensitivity to the laser illumination while eliminating solar background.
Active imaging system with Faraday filter
Snyder, J.J.
1993-04-13
An active imaging system has a low to medium powered laser transmitter and receiver wherein the receiver includes a Faraday filter with an ultranarrow optical bandpass and a bare (nonintensified) CCD camera. The laser is locked in the vicinity of the passband of the Faraday filter. The system has high sensitivity to the laser illumination while eliminating solar background.
Study of LED layout in indoor visible light communication and performance analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Jiaan; Che, Ying; Wang, Xinlan; Guo, Linyang; Li, Jing
2017-10-01
Light emitting diodes(LED) could provide both illumination and data communication in indoor visible light communication(VLC) that owns the modulation bandwith from several from several MHz to seneral hundreds of MHz. The layout of LED plays an important role in maintaining a steady optical power distribution over the receiving plane. The existing rectangular LED layout does not provide a full coverage on the receiving plane leaving receiving optical power outage area, which in turn affects the best performance of the VLC system. This paper design a circular layout scheme of LED in 5mX5mX3m room based on the criterion of the illumination minimum mean square deviation. The influence of the distribution of the intensity of illumination with the radius of 1m and 1.5m,for including the wall reflection and not including the wall reflection, and make a comparison with rectangular LED layout of illumination distribution, when the number of LEDs with rectangular layout as same as circular layout. Including the number of LEDs are 4 and 16.For a specific simulation parameters as following:height of receiving plane is 0.85m,a single LEDs is composed of 60X60 LED chips, the parameters of a single chip is that transmitting power is 20mW,center luminous intensity is 0.73cd.semiangle at half power is 70deg.The parameters of concentrator is that photodiode area is 1cm2,photodiode responsivity is 0.4,field of view at the receiver is 85deg.Other parameters are that reflective index of concentrator is 1.5,reflectivity of wall is 0.8.Circular layout and rectangular layout are analyzed through simulation of the received optical power distribution, signal noise ratio distribution in non line of sight(including the wall reflection) and line of sight(not including the wall reflection),when the number of the LED is different. It is clear from the results that the received optical power distribution of non line of sight is better than line of sight, when the number of the LED are same, but the signal noise ratio distribution is decreased result of the reflection of the wall. It is found that the received optical power of circular layout is better than the received optical power distribution of rectangulr layout, and circular layout is a good solution that add the received optical power at the 4 corners of room, improve the system ability of communication, when making a contrast of rectangular lyout with circular layout,at the same time,the fluctuate of circular layout's signal to noise ratio of is smller than rectangular layuot.The radius of circular layout or the location of rectangular layout is keeping, the received optical power of receiving plane is increased, by adding the number of LED,in the meantime, the interference between LED light source also increase. But the increase of the circular layout radius when the number of LED remain the same is helpful to reduce the inter symbol interference that work out between LED each other, enhance the system signal noise ratio. In this paper, the results of the reaearch provides a new idea for indoor visible light communication with non-standard room (Size of room is not 5mX5mX3m), at the same time, provides guiding significance for future setting up the indoor visible light communication links.
Solar central receiver heliostat reflector assembly
Horton, Richard H.; Zdeb, John J.
1980-01-01
A heliostat reflector assembly for a solar central receiver system comprises a light-weight, readily assemblable frame which supports a sheet of stretchable reflective material and includes mechanism for selectively applying tension to and positioning the sheet to stretch it to optical flatness. The frame is mounted on and supported by a pipe pedestal assembly that, in turn, is installed in the ground. The frame is controllably driven in a predetermined way by a light-weight drive system so as to be angularly adjustable in both elevation and azimuth to track the sun and efficiently continuously reflect the sun's rays to a focal zone, i.e. central receiver, which forms part of a solar energy utilization system, such as a solar energy fueled electrical power generation system. The frame may include a built-in system for testing for optical flatness of the reflector. The preferable geometric configuration of the reflector is octagonal; however, it may be other shapes, such as hexagonal, pentagonal or square. Several different embodiments of means for tensioning and positioning the reflector to achieve optical flatness are disclosed. The reflector assembly is based on the stretch frame concept which provides an extremely light-weight, simple, low-cost reflector assembly that may be driven for positioning and tracking by a light-weight, inexpensive drive system.
Main-Reflector Manufacturing Technology for the Deep Space Optical Communications Ground Station
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Britcliffe, M. J.; Hoppe, D. J.
2001-01-01
The Deep Space Network (DSN) has plans to develop a 10-m-diameter optical communications receiving station. The system uses the direct detection technique, which has much different requirements from a typical astronomical telescope. The receiver must operate in daylight and nighttime conditions. This imposes special requirements on the optical system to reject stray light from the Sun and other sources. One of the biggest challenges is designing a main-reflector surface that meets these requirements and can be produced at a reasonable cost. The requirements for the performance of the reflector are presented. To date, an aspherical primary reflector has been assumed. A reflector with a spherical reflector has a major cost advantage over an aspherical design, with no sacrifice in performance. A survey of current manufacturing techniques for optical mirrors of this type was performed. Techniques including solid glass, lightweight glass, diamond-turned aluminum, and composite mirrors were investigated.
Novel optical scanning cryptography using Fresnel telescope imaging.
Yan, Aimin; Sun, Jianfeng; Hu, Zhijuan; Zhang, Jingtao; Liu, Liren
2015-07-13
We propose a new method called modified optical scanning cryptography using Fresnel telescope imaging technique for encryption and decryption of remote objects. An image or object can be optically encrypted on the fly by Fresnel telescope scanning system together with an encryption key. For image decryption, the encrypted signals are received and processed with an optical coherent heterodyne detection system. The proposed method has strong performance through use of secure Fresnel telescope scanning with orthogonal polarized beams and efficient all-optical information processing. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical simulations and experimental results.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Xin; Hong, Yifeng; Wang, Jinfang; Liu, Yang; Sun, Xun; Li, Mi
2018-01-01
Numerous communication techniques and optical devices successfully applied in space optical communication system indicates a good portability of it. With this good portability, typical coherent demodulation technique of Costas loop can be easily adopted in space optical communication system. As one of the components of pointing error, the effect of jitter plays an important role in the communication quality of such system. Here, we obtain the probability density functions (PDF) of different jitter degrees and explain their essential effect on the bit error rate (BER) space optical communication system. Also, under the effect of jitter, we research the bit error rate of space coherent optical communication system using Costas loop with different system parameters of transmission power, divergence angle, receiving diameter, avalanche photodiode (APD) gain, and phase deviation caused by Costas loop. Through a numerical simulation of this kind of communication system, we demonstrate the relationship between the BER and these system parameters, and some corresponding methods of system optimization are presented to enhance the communication quality.
Shin, Won-Ho; Yang, Se-Hoon; Kwon, Do-Hoon; Han, Sang-Kook
2016-10-31
We propose a self-reverse-biased solar panel optical receiver for energy harvesting and visible light communication. Since the solar panel converts an optical component into an electrical component, it provides both energy harvesting and communication. The signal component can be separated from the direct current component, and these components are used for communication and energy harvesting. We employed a self-reverse-biased receiver circuit to improve the communication and energy harvesting performance. The reverse bias on the solar panel improves the responsivity and response time. The proposed system achieved 17.05 mbps discrete multitone transmission with a bit error rate of 1.1 x 10-3 and enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency.
Optical link by using optical wiring method for reducing EMI
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, In-Kui; Kwon, Jong-Hwa; Choi, Sung-Woong; Bondarik, Alexander; Yun, Je-Hoon; Kim, Chang-Joo; Ahn, Seung-Beom; Jeong, Myung-Yung; Park, Hyo Hoon
2008-12-01
A practical optical link system was prepared with a transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) for reducing EMI (electromagnetic interference). The optical TRx module consisted of a metal optical bench, a module printed circuit board (PCB), a driver/receiver IC, a VCSEL/PD array, and an optical link block composed of plastic optical fiber (POF). For the optical interconnection between the light-sources and detectors, an optical wiring method has been proposed to enable easy assembly. The key benefit of fiber optic link is the absence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise creation and susceptibility. This paper provides a method for optical interconnection between an optical Tx and an optical Rx, comprising the following steps: (i) forming a light source device, an optical detection device, and an optical transmission unit on a substrate (metal optical bench (MOB)); (ii) preparing a flexible optical transmission-connection medium (optical wiring link) to optically connect the light source device formed on the substrate with the optical detection device; and (iii) directly connecting one end of the surface-finished optical transmission connection medium with the light source device and the other end with the optical detection device. Electronic interconnections have uniquely electronic problems such as EMI, shorting, and ground loops. Since these problems only arise during transduction (electronics-to-optics or opticsto- electronics), the purely optical part and optical link(interconnection) is free of these problems. 1 An optical link system constructed with TRx modules was fabricated and the optical characteristics about data links and EMI levels were measured. The results clearly demonstrate that the use of an optical wiring method can provide robust and cost-effective assembly for reducing EMI of inter-chip interconnect. We successfully achieved a 4.5 Gb/s data transmission rate without EMI problems.
Imaging spectrometer wide field catadioptric design
Chrisp,; Michael, P [Danville, CA
2008-08-19
A wide field catadioptric imaging spectrometer with an immersive diffraction grating that compensates optical distortions. The catadioptric design has zero Petzval field curvature. The imaging spectrometer comprises an entrance slit for transmitting light, a system with a catadioptric lens and a dioptric lens for receiving the light and directing the light, an immersion grating, and a detector array. The entrance slit, the system for receiving the light, the immersion grating, and the detector array are positioned wherein the entrance slit transmits light to the system for receiving the light and the system for receiving the light directs the light to the immersion grating and the immersion grating receives the light and directs the light through the system for receiving the light to the detector array.
The analysis of optical-electro collimated light tube measurement system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Zhenhui; Jiang, Tao; Cao, Guohua; Wang, Yanfei
2005-12-01
A new type of collimated light tube (CLT) is mentioned in this paper. The analysis and structure of CLT are described detail. The reticle and discrimination board are replaced by a optical-electro graphics generator, or DLP-Digital Light Processor. DLP gives all kinds of graphics controlled by computer, the lighting surface lies on the focus of the CLT. The rays of light pass through the CLT, and the tested products, the image of aim is received by variant focus objective CCD camera, the image can be processed by computer, then, some basic optical parameters will be obtained, such as optical aberration, image slope, etc. At the same time, motorized translation stage carry the DLP moving to simulate the limited distance. The grating ruler records the displacement of the DLP. The key technique is optical-electro auto-focus, the best imaging quality can be gotten by moving 6-D motorized positioning stage. Some principal questions can be solved in this device, for example, the aim generating, the structure of receiving system and optical matching.
Discovery deep space optical communications (DSOC) transceiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Roberts, W. Thomas
2017-02-01
NASA's 22 cm diameter Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) Transceiver is designed to provide a bidirectional optical link between a spacecraft in the inner solar system and an Earth-based optical ground station. This design, optimized for operation across a wide range of illumination conditions, is focused on minimizing blinding from stray light, and providing reliable, accurate attitude information to point its narrow communication beam accurately to the future location of the ground terminal. Though our transceiver will transmit in the 1550 nm waveband and receive in the 1064 nm waveband, the system design relies heavily on reflective optical elements, extending flexibility to be modified for use at different wavebands. The design makes use of common path propagation among transmit, receive and pointing verification optical channels to maintain precise alignment among its components, and to naturally correct for element misalignment resulting from launch or thermal element perturbations. This paper presents the results of trade studies showing the evolution of the design, unique operational characteristics of the design, elements that help to maintain minimal stray light contamination, and preliminary results from development and initial testing of a functional aluminum test model.
Laser Linewidth Requirements for Optical Bpsk and Qpsk Heterodyne Lightwave Systems.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Boukli-Hacene, Mokhtar
In this dissertation, optical Binary Phase-Shift Keying (BPSK) and Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK) heterodyne communication receivers are investigated. The main objective of this research work is to analyze the performance of these receivers in the presence of laser phase noise and shot noise. The heterodyne optical BPSK is based on the square law carrier recovery (SLCR) scheme for phase detection. The BPSK heterodyne receiver is analyzed assuming a second order linear phase-locked loop (PLL) subsystem and a small phase error. The noise properties are analyzed and the problem of minimizing the effect of noise is addressed. The performance of the receiver is evaluated in terms of the bit error rate (BER), which leads to the analysis of the BER versus the laser linewidth and the number of photons/bit to achieve good performance. Since we cannot track the pure carrier component in the presence of noise, a non-linear model is used to solve the problem of recovery of the carrier. The non -linear system is analyzed in the presence of a low signal -to-noise ratio (SNR). The non-Gaussian noise model represented by its probability density function (PDF) is used to analyze the performance of the receiver, especially the phase error. In addition the effect of the PLL is analyzed by studying the cycle slippage (cs). Finally, the research effort is expanded from BPSK to QPSK systems. The heterodyne optical QPSK based on the fourth power multiplier scheme (FPMS) in conjunction with linear and non-linear PLL model is investigated. Optimum loop and higher power penalty in the presence of phase noise and shot noise are analyzed. It is shown that the QPSK system yields a high speed and high sensitivity coherent means for transmission of information accompanied by a small degradation in the laser linewidth. Comparative analysis of BPSK and QPSK systems leads us to conclude that in terms of laser linewidth, bit rate, phase error and power penalty, the QPSK system is more sensitive than the BPSK system and suffers less from higher power penalty. The BPSK and QPSK heterodyne receivers used in the uncoded scheme demand a realistic laser linewidth. Since the laser linewidth is the critical measure of the performance of a receiver, a convolutional code applied to QPSK of the system is used to improve the sensitivity of the system. The effect of coding is particularly important as means of relaxing the laser linewidth requirement. The validity and usefulness of the analysis presented in the dissertation is supported by computer simulations.
High speed QPPM direct detection optical communication receivers for FSDD intersatellite links
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Davidson, Frederic M.; Sun, Xiaoli
1993-01-01
This final report consists of four separate reports, one for each project involved in this contract. The first report is entitled '325 Mbps QPPM (quaternary pulse position modulation) Direct Detection Free Space Optical Communication Encoder and Receiver,' which was our primary work. The second report is entitled 'Test Results of the 325 Mbps QPPM High Speed Data Transmission GaAs ASICs,' which describes our work in connection with Galaxy Microsystems, Inc. who produced these ASICs for NASA. The third report, 'Receiver Performance Analysis of BPPM Optical Communication Systems Using 1.3 micron Wavelength Transmitter and InGaAs PIN Photodiodes,' was prepared at the request of the NASA/Photonics Branch for their efforts in upgrading the 1773 optical fiber data bus. The fourth report, 'Photomultiplier Tubes for Use at 1.064 micron Wavelength,' was also prepared at the request of the NASA/Photonics Branch as a research project.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fu, Meixia; Zhang, Min; Wang, Danshi; Cui, Yue; Han, Huanhuan
2016-10-01
We propose a scheme of optical duobinary-modulated upstream transmission system for reflective semiconductor optical amplifier-based colorless optical network units in 10-Gbps wavelength-division multiplexed passive optical network (WDM-PON), where a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is adopted as an optical equalizer for better performance. The demodulation module is extremely simple, only needing a binary intensity modulation direct detection receiver. A better received sensitivity of -16.98 dBm at bit rate error (BER)=1.0×10-4 can be achieved at 120 km without FBG, and the BER at the sensitivity of -18.49 dBm can be up to 2.1×10-5 at the transmission distance of 160 km with FBG, which demonstrates the feasibility of our proposed scheme. Moreover, it could be a high cost-effectiveness scheme for WDM-PON in the future.
A CMOS Low-Power Optical Front-End for 5 Gbps Applications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zohoori, Soorena; Dolatshahi, Mehdi
2018-01-01
In this paper, a new low-power optical receiver front-end is proposed in 90 nm CMOS technology for 5 Gb/s AApplications. However, to improve the gain-bandwidth trade-off, the proposed Trans-Impedance Amplifier (TIA) uses an active modified inverter-based topology followed by a common-source amplifier, which uses active inductive peaking technique to enhance the frequency bandwidth in an increased gain level for a reasonable power consumption value. The proposed TIA is analyzed and simulated in HSPICE using 90 nm CMOS technology parameters. Simulation results show a 53.5dBΩ trans-impedance gain, 3.5 GHz frequency bandwidth, 16.8pA/√Hz input referred noise, and 1.28 mW of power consumption at 1V supply voltage. The Optical receiver is completed using three stages of differential limiting amplifiers (LAs), which provide 27 dB voltage gain while consume 3.1 mW of power. Finally, the whole optical receiver front-end consumes only 5.6 mW of power at 1 V supply and amplifies the input signal by 80 dB, while providing 3.7 GHz of frequency bandwidth. Finally, the simulation results indicate that the proposed optical receiver is a proper candidate to be used in a low-power 5 Gbps optical communication system.
Two-dimensional beam steering using a thermo-optic silicon photonic optical phased array
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rabinovich, William S.; Goetz, Peter G.; Pruessner, Marcel W.; Mahon, Rita; Ferraro, Mike S.; Park, Doe; Fleet, Erin; DePrenger, Michael J.
2016-11-01
Many components for free-space optical (FSO) communication systems have shrunken in size over the last decade. However, the steering systems have remained large and power hungry. Nonmechanical beam steering offers a path to reducing the size of these systems. Optical phased arrays can allow integrated beam steering elements. One of the most important aspects of an optical phased array technology is its scalability to a large number of elements. Silicon photonics can potentially offer this scalability using CMOS foundry techniques. A phased array that can steer in two dimensions using the thermo-optic effect is demonstrated. No wavelength tuning of the input laser is needed and the design allows a simple control system with only two inputs. A benchtop FSO link with the phased array in both transmit and receive mode is demonstrated.
White LED visible light communication technology research
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yang, Chao
2017-03-01
Visible light communication is a new type of wireless optical communication technology. White LED to the success of development, the LED lighting technology is facing a new revolution. Because the LED has high sensitivity, modulation, the advantages of good performance, large transmission power, can make it in light transmission light signal at the same time. Use white LED light-emitting characteristics, on the modulation signals to the visible light transmission, can constitute a LED visible light communication system. We built a small visible optical communication system. The system composition and structure has certain value in the field of practical application, and we also research the key technology of transmitters and receivers, the key problem has been resolved. By studying on the optical and LED the characteristics of a high speed modulation driving circuit and a high sensitive receiving circuit was designed. And information transmission through the single chip microcomputer test, a preliminary verification has realized the data transmission function.
Rectangular Relief Diffraction Gratings for Coherent Lidar Beam Deflection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cole, H. J.; Dixit, S. N.; Shore, B. W.; Chambers, D. M.; Britten, J. A.; Kavaya, M. J.
1999-01-01
LIDAR systems require a light transmitting system for sending a laser light pulse into space and a receiving system for collecting the retro-scattered light, separating it from the outgoing beam and analyzing the received signal for calculating wind velocities. Currently, a shuttle manifested coherent LIDAR experiment called SPARCLE (SPAce Readiness Coherent Lidar Experiment) includes a silicon wedge (or prism) in its design in order to deflect the outgoing beam 30 degrees relative to the incident direction. The intent of this paper is to present two optical design approaches that may enable the replacement of the optical wedge component (in future, larger aperture, post-SPARCLE missions) with a surface relief transmission diffraction grating. Such a grating could be etched into a lightweight, flat, fused quartz substrate. The potential advantages of a diffractive beam deflector include reduced weight, reduced power requirements for the driving scanning motor, reduced optical sensitivity to thermal gradients, and increased dynamic stability.
Closed-loop motor control using high-speed fiber optics
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dawson, Reginald (Inventor); Rodriquiz, Dagobert (Inventor)
1991-01-01
A closed-loop control system for controlling the operation of one or more servo motors or other controllable devices is described. The system employs a fiber optics link immune to electromagnetic interference, for transmission of control signals from a controller or controllers at a remote station to the power electronics located in proximity to the motors or other devices at the local station. At the remote station the electrical control signals are time-multiplexed, converted to a formatted serial bit stream, and converted to light signals for transmission over a single fiber of the fiber optics link. At the local station, the received optical signals are reconstructed as electrical control signals for the controlled motors or other devices. At the local station, an encoder sensor linked to the driven device generates encoded feedback signals which provide information as to a condition of the controlled device. The encoded signals are placed in a formatted serial bit stream, multiplexed, and transmitted as optical signals over a second fiber of the fiber optic link which closes the control loop of the closed-loop motor controller. The encoded optical signals received at the remote station are demultiplexed, reconstructed and coupled to the controller(s) as electrical feedback signals.
Zhou, Xian; Chen, Xue
2011-05-09
The digital coherent receivers combine coherent detection with digital signal processing (DSP) to compensate for transmission impairments, and therefore are a promising candidate for future high-speed optical transmission system. However, the maximum symbol rate supported by such real-time receivers is limited by the processing rate of hardware. In order to cope with this difficulty, the parallel processing algorithms is imperative. In this paper, we propose a novel parallel digital timing recovery loop (PDTRL) based on our previous work. Furthermore, for increasing the dynamic dispersion tolerance range of receivers, we embed a parallel adaptive equalizer in the PDTRL. This parallel joint scheme (PJS) can be used to complete synchronization, equalization and polarization de-multiplexing simultaneously. Finally, we demonstrate that PDTRL and PJS allow the hardware to process 112 Gbit/s POLMUX-DQPSK signal at the hundreds MHz range. © 2011 Optical Society of America
Combustion pinhole-camera system
Witte, A.B.
1982-05-19
A pinhole camera system is described utilizing a sealed optical-purge assembly which provides optical access into a coal combustor or other energy conversion reactors. The camera system basically consists of a focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly, a conventional TV vidicon receiver, an external, variable density light filter which is coupled electronically to the vidicon automatic gain control (agc). The key component of this system is the focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly which utilizes a purging inert gas to keep debris from entering the port and a lens arrangement which transfers the pinhole to the outside of the port assembly. One additional feature of the port assembly is that it is not flush with the interior of the combustor.
Combustion pinhole camera system
Witte, A.B.
1984-02-21
A pinhole camera system is described utilizing a sealed optical-purge assembly which provides optical access into a coal combustor or other energy conversion reactors. The camera system basically consists of a focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly, a conventional TV vidicon receiver, an external, variable density light filter which is coupled electronically to the vidicon automatic gain control (agc). The key component of this system is the focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly which utilizes a purging inert gas to keep debris from entering the port and a lens arrangement which transfers the pinhole to the outside of the port assembly. One additional feature of the port assembly is that it is not flush with the interior of the combustor. 2 figs.
Combustion pinhole camera system
Witte, Arvel B.
1984-02-21
A pinhole camera system utilizing a sealed optical-purge assembly which provides optical access into a coal combustor or other energy conversion reactors. The camera system basically consists of a focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly, a conventional TV vidicon receiver, an external, variable density light filter which is coupled electronically to the vidicon automatic gain control (agc). The key component of this system is the focused-purge pinhole optical port assembly which utilizes a purging inert gas to keep debris from entering the port and a lens arrangement which transfers the pinhole to the outside of the port assembly. One additional feature of the port assembly is that it is not flush with the interior of the combustor.
Kikuchi, Kazuro
2014-01-27
We propose a novel configuration of optical receivers for intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM · DD) systems, which can cope with dual-polarization (DP) optical signals electrically. Using a Stokes analyzer and a newly-developed digital signal-processing (DSP) algorithm, we can achieve polarization tracking and demultiplexing in the digital domain after direct detection. Simulation results show that the power penalty stemming from digital polarization manipulations is negligibly small.
Synergy of adaptive thresholds and multiple transmitters in free-space optical communication.
Louthain, James A; Schmidt, Jason D
2010-04-26
Laser propagation through extended turbulence causes severe beam spread and scintillation. Airborne laser communication systems require special considerations in size, complexity, power, and weight. Rather than using bulky, costly, adaptive optics systems, we reduce the variability of the received signal by integrating a two-transmitter system with an adaptive threshold receiver to average out the deleterious effects of turbulence. In contrast to adaptive optics approaches, systems employing multiple transmitters and adaptive thresholds exhibit performance improvements that are unaffected by turbulence strength. Simulations of this system with on-off-keying (OOK) showed that reducing the scintillation variations with multiple transmitters improves the performance of low-frequency adaptive threshold estimators by 1-3 dB. The combination of multiple transmitters and adaptive thresholding provided at least a 10 dB gain over implementing only transmitter pointing and receiver tilt correction for all three high-Rytov number scenarios. The scenario with a spherical-wave Rytov number R=0.20 enjoyed a 13 dB reduction in the required SNR for BER's between 10(-5) to 10(-3), consistent with the code gain metric. All five scenarios between 0.06 and 0.20 Rytov number improved to within 3 dB of the SNR of the lowest Rytov number scenario.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1995-01-01
Analyses have been performed at the NASA Lewis Research Center's Power Systems Project Office to support the design and development of the joint U.S./Russian Solar Dynamic Flight Demonstration Project. The optical analysis of the concentrator and solar flux predictions on target receiver surfaces have an important influence on receiver design and control of the Brayton engine.
Arnon, S; Rotman, S; Kopeika, N S
1997-08-20
The basic free-space optical communication system includes at least two satellites. To communicate between them, the transmitter satellite must track the beacon of the receiver satellite and point the information optical beam in its direction. Optical tracking and pointing systems for free space suffer during tracking from high-amplitude vibration because of background radiation from interstellar objects such as the Sun, Moon, Earth, and stars in the tracking field of view or the mechanical impact from satellite internal and external sources. The vibrations of beam pointing increase the bit error rate and jam communication between the two satellites. One way to overcome this problem is to increase the satellite receiver beacon power. However, this solution requires increased power consumption and weight, both of which are disadvantageous in satellite development. Considering these facts, we derive a mathematical model of a communication system that adapts optimally the transmitter beam width and the transmitted power to the tracking system performance. Based on this model, we investigate the performance of a communication system with discrete element optical phased array transmitter telescope gain. An example for a practical communication system between a Low Earth Orbit Satellite and a Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite is presented. From the results of this research it can be seen that a four-element adaptive transmitter telescope is sufficient to compensate for vibration amplitude doubling. The benefits of the proposed model are less required transmitter power and improved communication system performance.
Demonstration of a High-Efficiency Free-Space Optical Communications Link
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Birnbaum, Kevin; Farr, William; Gin, Jonathan; Moision, Bruce; Quirk, Kevin; Wright, Malcolm
2009-01-01
In this paper we discuss recent progress on the implementation of a hardware free-space optical communications test-bed. The test-bed implements an end-to-end communications system comprising a data encoder, modulator, laser-transmitter, telescope, detector, receiver and error-correction-code decoder. Implementation of each of the component systems is discussed, with an emphasis on 'real-world' system performance degradation and limitations. We have demonstrated real-time data rates of 44 Mbps and photon efficiencies of approximately 1.8 bits/photon over a 100m free-space optical link.
Optical system for determining physical characteristics of a solar cell
Sopori, Bhushan L.
2001-01-01
The invention provides an improved optical system for determining the physical characteristics of a solar cell. The system comprises a lamp means for projecting light in a wide solid-angle onto the surface of the cell; a chamber for receiving the light through an entrance port, the chamber having an interior light absorbing spherical surface, an exit port for receiving a beam of light reflected substantially normal to the cell, a cell support, and an lower aperture for releasing light into a light absorbing baffle; a means for dispersing the reflection into monochromatic components; a means for detecting an intensity of the components; and a means for reporting the determination.
Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics systems on the EAST tokamak (invited)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zhu, Y. L.; Xie, J. L., E-mail: jlxie@ustc.edu.cn; Yu, C. X.
2016-11-15
Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics, with large poloidal span and wide radial range, have been developed on the EAST tokamak for visualization of 2D electron temperature and density fluctuations. A 384 channel (24 poloidal × 16 radial) Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system in F-band (90-140 GHz) was installed on the EAST tokamak in 2012 to provide 2D electron temperature fluctuation images with high spatial and temporal resolution. A co-located Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) will be installed for imaging of density fluctuations by December 2016. This “4th generation” MIR system has eight independent frequency illumination beams in W-band (75-110 GHz) driven bymore » fast tuning synthesizers and active multipliers. Both of these advanced millimeter-wave imaging diagnostic systems have applied the latest techniques. A novel design philosophy “general optics structure” has been employed for the design of the ECEI and MIR receiver optics with large aperture. The extended radial and poloidal coverage of ECEI on EAST is made possible by innovations in the design of front-end optics. The front-end optical structures of the two imaging diagnostics, ECEI and MIR, have been integrated into a compact system, including the ECEI receiver and MIR transmitter and receiver. Two imaging systems share the same mid-plane port for simultaneous, co-located 2D fluctuation measurements of electron density and temperature. An intelligent remote-control is utilized in the MIR electronics systems to maintain focusing at the desired radial region even with density variations by remotely tuning the probe frequencies in about 200 μs. A similar intelligent technique has also been applied on the ECEI IF system, with remote configuration of the attenuations for each channel.« less
Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics systems on the EAST tokamak (invited)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhu, Y. L.; Xie, J. L.; Yu, C. X.; Zhao, Z. L.; Gao, B. X.; Chen, D. X.; Liu, W. D.; Liao, W.; Qu, C. M.; Luo, C.; Hu, X.; Spear, A. G.; Luhmann, N. C.; Domier, C. W.; Chen, M.; Ren, X.; Tobias, B. J.
2016-11-01
Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics, with large poloidal span and wide radial range, have been developed on the EAST tokamak for visualization of 2D electron temperature and density fluctuations. A 384 channel (24 poloidal × 16 radial) Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) system in F-band (90-140 GHz) was installed on the EAST tokamak in 2012 to provide 2D electron temperature fluctuation images with high spatial and temporal resolution. A co-located Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) will be installed for imaging of density fluctuations by December 2016. This "4th generation" MIR system has eight independent frequency illumination beams in W-band (75-110 GHz) driven by fast tuning synthesizers and active multipliers. Both of these advanced millimeter-wave imaging diagnostic systems have applied the latest techniques. A novel design philosophy "general optics structure" has been employed for the design of the ECEI and MIR receiver optics with large aperture. The extended radial and poloidal coverage of ECEI on EAST is made possible by innovations in the design of front-end optics. The front-end optical structures of the two imaging diagnostics, ECEI and MIR, have been integrated into a compact system, including the ECEI receiver and MIR transmitter and receiver. Two imaging systems share the same mid-plane port for simultaneous, co-located 2D fluctuation measurements of electron density and temperature. An intelligent remote-control is utilized in the MIR electronics systems to maintain focusing at the desired radial region even with density variations by remotely tuning the probe frequencies in about 200 μs. A similar intelligent technique has also been applied on the ECEI IF system, with remote configuration of the attenuations for each channel.
Measurements of speed of response of high-speed visible and IR optical detectors
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rowe, H. E.; Osmundson, J. S.
1972-01-01
A technique for measuring speed of response of high speed visible and IR optical detectors to mode-locked Nd:YAG laser pulses is described. Results of measurements of response times of four detectors are presented. Three detectors that can be used as receivers in a 500-MHz optical communication system are tested.
The network and transmission of based on the principle of laser multipoint communication
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fu, Qiang; Liu, Xianzhu; Jiang, Huilin; Hu, Yuan; Jiang, Lun
2014-11-01
Space laser communication is the perfectly choose to the earth integrated information backbone network in the future. This paper introduces the structure of the earth integrated information network that is a large capacity integrated high-speed broadband information network, a variety of communications platforms were densely interconnected together, such as the land, sea, air and deep air users or aircraft, the technologies of the intelligent high-speed processing, switching and routing were adopt. According to the principle of maximum effective comprehensive utilization of information resources, get accurately information, fast processing and efficient transmission through inter-satellite, satellite earth, sky and ground station and other links. Namely it will be a space-based, air-based and ground-based integrated information network. It will be started from the trends of laser communication. The current situation of laser multi-point communications were expounded, the transmission scheme of the dynamic multi-point between wireless laser communication n network has been carefully studied, a variety of laser communication network transmission schemes the corresponding characteristics and scope described in detail , described the optical multiplexer machine that based on the multiport form of communication is applied to relay backbone link; the optical multiplexer-based on the form of the segmentation receiver field of view is applied to small angle link, the optical multiplexer-based form of three concentric spheres structure is applied to short distances, motorized occasions, and the multi-point stitching structure based on the rotation paraboloid is applied to inter-satellite communications in detail. The multi-point laser communication terminal apparatus consist of the transmitting and receiving antenna, a relay optical system, the spectroscopic system, communication system and communication receiver transmitter system. The communication forms of optical multiplexer more than four goals or more, the ratio of received power and volume weight will be Obvious advantages, and can track multiple moving targets in flexible.It would to provide reference for the construction of earth integrated information networks.
Design of a multi-channel free space optical interconnection component
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jia, Da-Gong; Zhang, Pei-Song; Jing, Wen-Cai; Tan, Jun; Zhang, Hong-Xia; Zhang, Yi-Mo
2008-11-01
A multi-channel free space optical interconnection component, fiber optic rotary joint, was designed using a Dove prism. When the Dove prism is rotated an angle of α around the longitudinal axis, the image rotates an angle of 2 α. The optical interconnection component consists of the signal transmission system, Dove prim and driving mechanism. The planetary gears are used to achieve the speed ratio of 2:1 between the total optical interconnection component and the Dove prism. The C-lenses are employed to couple different optical signals in the signal transmission system. The coupling loss between the receiving fiber of stationary part and the transmitting fiber of rotary part is measured.
Optical seismic sensor systems and methods
Beal, A. Craig; Cummings, Malcolm E.; Zavriyev, Anton; Christensen, Caleb A.; Lee, Keun
2015-12-08
Disclosed is an optical seismic sensor system for measuring seismic events in a geological formation, including a surface unit for generating and processing an optical signal, and a sensor device optically connected to the surface unit for receiving the optical signal over an optical conduit. The sensor device includes at least one sensor head for sensing a seismic disturbance from at least one direction during a deployment of the sensor device within a borehole of the geological formation. The sensor head includes a frame and a reference mass attached to the frame via at least one flexure, such that movement of the reference mass relative to the frame is constrained to a single predetermined path.
Optical distance measurement device and method thereof
Bowers, Mark W.
2003-05-27
A system and method of efficiently obtaining distance measurements of a target. A modulated optical beam may be used to determine the distance to the target. A first beam splitter may be used to split the optical beam and a second beam splitter may be used to recombine a reference beam with a return ranging beam. An optical mixing detector may be used in a receiver to efficiently detect distance measurement information.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chow, C. W.; Yang, L. G.; Yeh, C. H.; Huang, C. B.; Shi, J. W.; Pan, C. L.
2012-10-01
Millimeter-wave (mm-wave) operated in W-band (75 GHz-0.11 THz) is of particular interests, since this frequency band can carry signals at much higher data rates. We demonstrate a 10 Gb/s optical carrier-distributed network with the wireless communication system. The mm-wave signal at carrier frequency of 0.1 THz is generated by a high speed near-ballistic uni-traveling carrier photodiode (NBUTC-PD) based transmitter (Tx), which is optically excited by optical short pulses. The optical pulse source is produced from a self-developed photonic mm-wave waveform generator (PMWG), which allows spectral line-by-line pulse shaping. Hence these optical pulses have high tolerance to fiber chromatic dispersion. The W-band 10 Gb/s wireless data is transmitted and received via a pair of horn antennas. The received 10 Gb/s data is envelope-detected and then used to drive an optical modulator at the remote antenna unit (RAU) to produce the upstream signal sending back to the central office (CO). 20 km single mode fiber (SMF) error free transmission is achieved. Analysis about the optimum repetition rate of the optical pulse source and the transmission performance of the upstream signal are also performed and discussed.
Phase-space analysis of charged and optical beam transport: Wigner rotation angle
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dattoli, G.; Torre, Amalia
1994-01-01
The possibility of using the phase space formalism to establish a correspondence between the dynamical behavior of squeezed states and optical or charged beams, propagating through linear systems, has received a great deal of attention during the last years. In this connection, it has been indicated how optical experiments may be conceived to measure the Wigner rotation angle. In this paper we address the topic within the context of the paraxial propagation of optical or charged beams and suggest a possible experiment for measuring the Wigner angle using an electron beam passing through quadrupoles and drift sections. The analogous optical system is also discussed.
High-k Scattering Receiver Mixer Performance for NSTX-U
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barchfeld, Robert; Riemenschneider, Paul; Domier, Calvin; Luhmann, Neville; Ren, Yang; Kaita, Robert
2016-10-01
The High-k Scattering system detects primarily electron-scale turbulence k θ spectra for studying electron thermal transport in NSTX-U. A 100 mW, 693 GHz probe beam passes through plasma, and scattered power is detected by a 4-pixel quasi optical, mixer array. Remotely controlled receiving optics allows the scattering volume to be located from core to edge with a k θ span of 7 to 40 cm-1. The receiver array features 4 RF diagonal input horns, where the electric field polarization is aligned along the diagonal of a square cross section horn, at 30 mm channel spacing. The local oscillator is provided by a 14.4 GHz source followed by a x48 multiplier chain, giving an intermediate frequency of 1 GHz. The receiver optics receive 4 discreet scattering angles simultaneously, and then focus the signals as 4 parallel signals to their respective horns. A combination of a steerable probe beam, and translating receiver, allows for upward or downward scattering which together can provide information about 2D turbulence wavenumber spectrum. IF signals are digitized and stored for later computer analysis. The performance of the receiver mixers is discussed, along with optical design features to enhance the tuning and performance of the mixers. Work supported in part by U.S. DOE Grant DE-FG02-99ER54518 and DE-AC02-09CH1146.
Zhang, Junwen; Yu, Jianjun; Chi, Nan
2015-01-01
All optical method is considered as a promising technique for high symbol rate Nyquist signal generation, which has attracted a lot of research interests for high spectral-efficiency and high-capacity optical communication system. In this paper, we extend our previous work and report the fully experimental demonstration of polarization-division multiplexed (PDM) all-optical Nyquist signal generation based on Sinc-shaped Nyquist pulse with advanced modulation formats, fiber-transmission and single-receiver full-band coherent detection. Using this scheme, we have successfully demonstrated the generation, fiber transmission and single-receiver full-band coherent detection of all-optical Nyquist PDM-QPSK and PDM-16QAM signals up to 125-GBaud. 1-Tb/s single-carrier PDM-16QAM signal generation and full-band coherent detection is realized, which shows the advantage and feasibility of the single-carrier all-optical Nyquist signals. PMID:26323238
Yang, Guowei; Khalighi, Mohammad-Ali; Ghassemlooy, Zabih; Bourennane, Salah
2013-08-20
The efficacy of spatial diversity in practical free-space optical communication systems is impaired by the fading correlation among the underlying subchannels. We consider in this paper the generation of correlated Gamma-Gamma random variables in view of evaluating the system outage probability and bit-error-rate under the condition of correlated fading. Considering the case of receive-diversity systems with intensity modulation and direct detection, we propose a set of criteria for setting the correlation coefficients on the small- and large-scale fading components based on scintillation theory. We verify these criteria using wave-optics simulations and further show through Monte Carlo simulations that we can effectively neglect the correlation corresponding to the small-scale turbulence in most practical systems, irrespective of the specific turbulence conditions. This has not been clarified before, to the best of our knowledge. We then present some numerical results to illustrate the effect of fading correlation on the system performance. Our conclusions can be generalized to the cases of multiple-beam and multiple-beam multiple-aperture systems.
Hale, Layton C.; Malsbury, Terry; Hudyma, Russell M.; Parker, John M.
2000-01-01
A projection optics box or assembly for use in an optical assembly, such as in an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) system using 10-14 nm soft x-ray photons. The projection optics box utilizes a plurality of highly reflective optics or mirrors, each mounted on a precision actuator, and which reflects an optical image, such as from a mask, in the EUVL system onto a point of use, such as a target or silicon wafer, the mask, for example, receiving an optical signal from a source assembly, such as a developed from laser system, via a series of highly reflective mirrors of the EUVL system. The plurality of highly reflective optics or mirrors are mounted in a housing assembly comprised of a series of bulkheads having wall members secured together to form a unit construction of maximum rigidity. Due to the precision actuators, the mirrors must be positioned precisely and remotely in tip, tilt, and piston (three degrees of freedom), while also providing exact constraint.
Method and system for communicating with a laser power driver
Telford, Steven
2017-07-18
A system for controlling a plurality of laser diodes includes an optical transmitter coupled to the laser diode driver for each laser diode. An optical signal including bi-phase encoded data is provided to each laser diode driver. The optical signal includes current level and pulse duration information at which each of the diodes is to be driven. Upon receiving a trigger signal, the laser diode drivers operate the laser diodes using the current level and pulse duration information to output a laser beam.
Comparison of Square and Radial Geometries for High Intensity Laser Power Beaming Receivers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Raible, Daniel E.; Fast, Brian R.; Dinca, Dragos; Nayfeh, Taysir H.; Jalics, Andrew K.
2012-01-01
In an effort to further advance a realizable form of wireless power transmission (WPT), high intensity laser power beaming (HILPB) has been developed for both space and terrestrial applications. Unique optical-to-electrical receivers are employed with near infrared (IR-A) continuous-wave (CW) semiconductor lasers to experimentally investigate the HILPB system. In this paper, parasitic feedback, uneven illumination and the implications of receiver array geometries are considered and experimental hardware results for HILPB are presented. The TEM00 Gaussian energy profile of the laser beam presents a challenge to the effectiveness of the receiver to perform efficient photoelectric conversion, due to the resulting non-uniform illumination of the photovoltaic cell arrays. In this investigation, the geometry of the receiver is considered as a technique to tailor the receiver design to accommodate the Gaussian beam profile, and in doing so it is demonstrated that such a methodology is successful in generating bulk receiver output power levels reaching 25 W from 7.2 sq cm of photovoltaic cells. These results are scalable, and may be realized by implementing receiver arraying and utilizing higher power source lasers to achieve a 1.0 sq m receiver capable of generating over 30 kW of electrical power. This type of system would enable long range optical "refueling" of electric platforms, such as MUAV s, airships, robotic exploration missions and provide power to spacecraft platforms which may utilize it to drive electric means of propulsion. In addition, a smaller HILPB receiver aperture size could be utilized to establish a robust optical communications link within environments containing high levels of background radiance, to achieve high signal to noise ratios.
Multiple wavelength light collimator and monitor
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gore, Warren J. (Inventor)
2011-01-01
An optical system for receiving and collimating light and for transporting and processing light received in each of N wavelength ranges, including near-ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths, to determine a fraction of light received, and associated dark current, in each wavelength range in each of a sequence of time intervals.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Winzer, Peter J.; Kalmar, Andras; Leeb, Walter R.
1999-04-01
We investigate the role of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) produced by an optical booster amplifier at the transmitter of free-space optical communication links. In a communication terminal with a single telescope for both transmission and reception, this ASE power has to be taken into account in connection with transmit-to-receive channel isolation, especially since it partly occupies the same state of polarization and the same frequency band as the receive signal. We show that the booster ASE intercepted by the receiver can represent a non-negligible source of background radiation: In a typical optical intersatellite link scenario, the ASE power spectral density generated by the booster amplifier at the transmitter and coupled to the receiver will be on the order of 10-20 W/Hz, which equals the background radiation of the sun. Exploiting these findings for pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) purposes, we describe a patent-pending PAT system doing without beacon lasers and without the need for diverting a part of the data signal for PAT. Utilizing the transmit booster ASE over a bandwidth of e.g. 20 nm at the receiver, a total power of about -46 dBm is available for PAT purposes without extra power consumption at the transmitter and without the need for beacon lAser alignment.
Kirk, Andrew G; Plant, David V; Szymanski, Ted H; Vranesic, Zvonko G; Tooley, Frank A P; Rolston, David R; Ayliffe, Michael H; Lacroix, Frederic K; Robertson, Brian; Bernier, Eric; Brosseau, Daniel F
2003-05-10
Design and implementation of a free-space optical backplane for multiprocessor applications is presented. The system is designed to interconnect four multiprocessor nodes that communicate by using multiplexed 32-bit packets. Each multiprocessor node is electrically connected to an optoelectronic VLSI chip which implements the hyperplane interconnection architecture. The chips each contain 256 optical transmitters (implemented as dual-rail multiple quantum-well modulators) and 256 optical receivers. A rigid free-space microoptical interconnection system that interconnects the transceiver chips in a 512-channel unidirectional ring is implemented. Full design, implementation, and operational details are provided.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kirk, Andrew G.; Plant, David V.; Szymanski, Ted H.; Vranesic, Zvonko G.; Tooley, Frank A. P.; Rolston, David R.; Ayliffe, Michael H.; Lacroix, Frederic K.; Robertson, Brian; Bernier, Eric; Brosseau, Daniel F.
2003-05-01
Design and implementation of a free-space optical backplane for multiprocessor applications is presented. The system is designed to interconnect four multiprocessor nodes that communicate by using multiplexed 32-bit packets. Each multiprocessor node is electrically connected to an optoelectronic VLSI chip which implements the hyperplane interconnection architecture. The chips each contain 256 optical transmitters (implemented as dual-rail multiple quantum-well modulators) and 256 optical receivers. A rigid free-space microoptical interconnection system that interconnects the transceiver chips in a 512-channel unidirectional ring is implemented. Full design, implementation, and operational details are provided.
Universal fiber-optic C.I.E. colorimeter
Kronberg, James W.
1992-01-01
Apparatus for color measurements according to the C.I.E. system comprises a first fiber optic cable for receiving and linearizing light from a light source, a lens system for spectrally displaying the linearized light and focusing the light on one end of a trifurcated fiber optic assembly that integrates and separates the light according to the three C.I.E. tristimulus functions. The separated light is received by three photodiodes and electronically evaluated to determine the magnitude of the light corresponding to the tristimulus functions. The fiber optic assembly is made by forming, at one end, a bundle of optic fibers to match the contours of one of the tristimulus functions, encapsulating that bundle, adding a second bundle that, together with the first bundle, will match the contours of the first plus one other tristimulus function, encapsulating that second bundle, then adding a third bundle which together with the first and second bundles, has contours matching the sum of all three tristimulus functions. At the other end of the assembly the three bundles are separated and aligned with their respective photodiodes.
Caplan, Malcolm; Friedman, Herbert W.
2005-07-19
A system for beaming power to a high altitude platform is based upon a high power millimeter gyrotron source, optical transmission components, and a high-power receiving antenna (i.e., a rectenna) capable of rectifying received millimeter energy and converting such energy into useable electrical power.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahmad, Iftikhar; Chughtai, Mohsan Niaz
2018-05-01
In this paper the IRIS (Integrated Router Interconnected spectrally), an optical domain architecture for datacenter network is analyzed. The IRIS integrated with advanced modulation formats (M-QAM) and coherent optical receiver is analyzed. The channel impairments are compensated using the DSP algorithms following the coherent receiver. The proposed scheme allows N2 multiplexed wavelengths for N×N size. The performance of the N×N-IRIS switch with and without wavelength conversion is analyzed for different Baud rates over M-QAM modulation formats. The performance of the system is analyzed in terms of bit error rate (BER) vs OSNR curves.
Heterodyne interferometer with angstrom-level periodic nonlinearity
Schmitz, Tony L.; Beckwith, John F.
2005-01-25
Displacement measuring interferometer systems and methods are disclosed. One or more acousto-optic modulators for receiving a laser light beam from a laser light source can be utilized to split the laser light beam into two or more laser light beams, while spatially separating frequencies thereof. One or more reflective mechanisms can be utilized to reflect one or more of the laser light beams back to the acousto-optic modulator. Interference of two or more of the laser light beams generally at the acousto-optic modulator can provide an interfered laser light beam thereof. A detector for receiving the interfered laser light beam can be utilized to provide interferometer measurement data.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1994-01-01
A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract resulted in a series of commercially available lasers, which have application in fiber optic communications, difference frequency generation, fiber optic sensing and general laboratory use. Developed under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, the Phase Doppler Particles Analyzer is a non-disruptive, highly accurate laser-based method of determining particle size, number density, trajectory, turbulence and other information about particles passing through a measurement probe volume. The system consists of an optical transmitter and receiver, signal processor and computer with data acquisition and analysis software. A variety of systems are offered for applications including spray characterization for paint, and agricultural and other sprays. The Microsizer, a related product, is used in medical equipment manufacturing and analysis of contained flows. High frequency components and subsystems produced by Millitech Corporation are marketed for both research and commercial use. These systems, which operate in the upper portion of the millimeter wave, resulted from a number of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. By developing very high performance mixers and multipliers, the company has advanced the state of the art in sensitive receiver technology. Components are used in receivers and transceivers for monitoring chlorine monoxides, ozone, in plasma characterization and in material properties characterization.
System and Method for Multi-Wavelength Optical Signal Detection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McGlone, Thomas D. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
The system and method for multi-wavelength optical signal detection enables the detection of optical signal levels significantly below those processed at the discrete circuit level by the use of mixed-signal processing methods implemented with integrated circuit technologies. The present invention is configured to detect and process small signals, which enables the reduction of the optical power required to stimulate detection networks, and lowers the required laser power to make specific measurements. The present invention provides an adaptation of active pixel networks combined with mixed-signal processing methods to provide an integer representation of the received signal as an output. The present invention also provides multi-wavelength laser detection circuits for use in various systems, such as a differential absorption light detection and ranging system.
Optical development system lab alignment solutions for the ICESat-2 ATLAS instrument
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Evans, T.
The ATLAS Instrument for the ICESat-2 mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center requires an alignment test-bed to prove out new concepts. The Optical Development System (ODS) lab was created to test prototype models of individual instrument components to simulate how they will act as a system. The main ICESat-2 instrument is the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS). It measures ice elevation by transmitting laser pulses, and collecting the reflection in a telescope. Because the round trip time is used to calculate distance, alignment between the outgoing transmitter beam and the incoming receiver beams are critical. An automated closed loop monitoring control system is currently being tested at the prototype level to prove out implementation for the final spacecraft. To achieve an error of less than 2 micro-radians, an active deformable mirror was used to correct the lab wave front from the collimated “ ground reflection” beam. The lab includes a focal plane assembly set up, a one meter diameter collimator optic, and a 0.8 meter flight spare telescope for alignment. ATLAS prototypes and engineering models of transmitter and receiver optics and sub-systems are brought in to develop and integrate systems as well as write procedures to be used in integration and testing. By having a fully integrated system with prototypes and engineering units, lessons can be learned before flight designs are finalized.
Real-time validation of receiver state information in optical space-time block code systems.
Alamia, John; Kurzweg, Timothy
2014-06-15
Free space optical interconnect (FSOI) systems are a promising solution to interconnect bottlenecks in high-speed systems. To overcome some sources of diminished FSOI performance caused by close proximity of multiple optical channels, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems implementing encoding schemes such as space-time block coding (STBC) have been developed. These schemes utilize information pertaining to the optical channel to reconstruct transmitted data. The STBC system is dependent on accurate channel state information (CSI) for optimal system performance. As a result of dynamic changes in optical channels, a system in operation will need to have updated CSI. Therefore, validation of the CSI during operation is a necessary tool to ensure FSOI systems operate efficiently. In this Letter, we demonstrate a method of validating CSI, in real time, through the use of moving averages of the maximum likelihood decoder data, and its capacity to predict the bit error rate (BER) of the system.
Optical design for reliability and efficiency in concentrating photovoltaics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Leutz, Ralf; Annen, Hans Philipp; Fu, Ling
2010-08-01
Complex systems like modules in concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) are designed in a systems approach. The better the components are concerted, the better the performance goals of the system can be fulfilled. Optics are central to the CPV module's reliability and efficiency. Fresnel lens optics provide the module cover, and protect the module against the environment. Fresnel lenses on glass can provide the module's structural integrity. The secondary optical element, used to increase the collection of light, the acceptance half-angle, and the uniformity on the cell, may provide encapsulation for the receiver. This encapsulation function may be provided by some optical designs in sol gel, or silicone. Both materials are unknown in their longevity in this application. We present optical designs fulfilling structural or protective functions, discuss the optical penalties to be paid, and the innovative materials and manufacturing technologies to be tested.
Lee, Myung-Jae; Youn, Jin-Sung; Park, Kang-Yeob; Choi, Woo-Young
2014-02-10
We present a fully integrated 12.5-Gb/s optical receiver fabricated with standard 0.13-µm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology for 850-nm optical interconnect applications. Our integrated optical receiver includes a newly proposed CMOS-compatible spatially-modulated avalanche photodetector, which provides larger photodetection bandwidth than previously reported CMOS-compatible photodetectors. The receiver also has high-speed CMOS circuits including transimpedance amplifier, DC-balanced buffer, equalizer, and limiting amplifier. With the fabricated optical receiver, detection of 12.5-Gb/s optical data is successfully achieved at 5.8 pJ/bit. Our receiver achieves the highest data rate ever reported for 850-nm integrated CMOS optical receivers.
Study of the OCDMA Transmission Characteristics in FSO-FTTH at Various Distances, Outdoor
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aldouri, Muthana Y.; Aljunid, S. A.; Fadhil, Hilal A.
2013-06-01
It is important to apply the field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and Optical Switch technology as an encoder and decoder for Spectral Amplitude Coding Optical Code Division Multiple Access (SAC-OCDMA) Free Space Optic Fiber to the Home (FSO-FTTH) transmitter and receiver system design. The encoder and decoder module will be using FPGA as a code generator, optical switch using as encode and decode of optical source. This module was tested by using the Modified Double Weight (MDW) code, which is selected as an excellent candidate because it had shown superior performance were by the total noise is reduced. It is also easy to construct and can reduce the number of filters required at a receiver by a newly proposed detection scheme known as AND Subtraction technique. MDW code is presented here to support Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) access network in Point-To-Multi-Point (P2MP) application. The conversion used a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) wavelength converter. The performances are characterized through BER and bit rate (BR), also, the received power at a variety of bit rates.
RF/optical shared aperture for high availability wideband communication RF/FSO links
Ruggiero, Anthony J; Pao, Hsueh-yuan; Sargis, Paul
2014-04-29
An RF/Optical shared aperture is capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals and RF signals simultaneously. This technology enables compact wide bandwidth communications systems with 100% availability in clear air turbulence, rain and fog. The functions of an optical telescope and an RF reflector antenna are combined into a single compact package by installing an RF feed at either of the focal points of a modified Gregorian telescope.
RF/optical shared aperture for high availability wideband communication RF/FSO links
Ruggiero, Anthony J; Pao, Hsueh-yuan; Sargis, Paul
2015-03-24
An RF/Optical shared aperture is capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals and RF signals simultaneously. This technology enables compact wide bandwidth communications systems with 100% availability in clear air turbulence, rain and fog. The functions of an optical telescope and an RF reflector antenna are combined into a single compact package by installing an RF feed at either of the focal points of a modified Gregorian telescope.
CW-THz vector spectroscopy and imaging system based on 1.55-µm fiber-optics.
Kim, Jae-Young; Song, Ho-Jin; Yaita, Makoto; Hirata, Akihiko; Ajito, Katsuhiro
2014-01-27
We present a continuous-wave terahertz (THz) vector spectroscopy and imaging system based on a 1.5-µm fiber optic uni-traveling-carrier photodiode and InGaAs photo-conductive receiver. Using electro-optic (EO) phase modulators for THz phase control with shortened optical paths, the system achieves fast vector measurement with effective phase stabilization. Dynamic ranges of 100 dB · Hz and 75 dB · Hz at 300 GHz and 1 THz, and phase stability of 1.5° per minute are obtained. With the simultaneous measurement of absorbance and relative permittivity, we demonstrate non-destructive analyses of pharmaceutical cocrystals inside tablets within a few minutes.
Liu, Bo; Zhang, Lijia; Xin, Xiangjun
2018-03-19
This paper proposes and demonstrates an enhanced secure 4-D modulation optical generalized filter bank multi-carrier (GFBMC) system based on joint constellation and Stokes vector scrambling. The constellation and Stokes vectors are scrambled by using different scrambling parameters. A multi-scroll Chua's circuit map is adopted as the chaotic model. Large secure key space can be obtained due to the multi-scroll attractors and independent operability of subcarriers. A 40.32Gb/s encrypted optical GFBMC signal with 128 parallel subcarriers is successfully demonstrated in the experiment. The results show good resistance against the illegal receiver and indicate a potential way for the future optical multi-carrier system.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Hanshan
2016-04-01
To enhance the stability and reliability of multi-screens testing system, this paper studies multi-screens target optical information transmission link properties and performance in long-distance, sets up the discrete multi-tone modulation transmission model based on geometric model of laser multi-screens testing system and visible light information communication principle; analyzes the electro-optic and photoelectric conversion function of sender and receiver in target optical information communication system; researches target information transmission performance and transfer function of the generalized visible-light communication channel; found optical information communication transmission link light intensity space distribution model and distribution function; derives the SNR model of information transmission communication system. Through the calculation and experiment analysis, the results show that the transmission error rate increases with the increment of transmission rate in a certain channel modulation depth; when selecting the appropriate transmission rate, the bit error rate reach 0.01.
Feasibility study of microwave modulation DIAL system for global CO II monitoring
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hirano, Yoshihito; Kameyama, Shumpei; Ueno, Shinichi; Sugimoto, Nobuo; Kimura, Toshiyoshi
2006-12-01
A new concept of DIAL (DIfferential Absorption Lidar) system for global CO II monitoring using microwave modulation is introduced. This system uses quasi-CW lights which are intensity modulated in microwave region and receives a backscattered light from the ground. In this system, ON/OFF wavelength laser lights are modulated with microwave frequencies, and received lights of two wavelengths are able to be discriminated by modulation frequencies in electrical signal domain. Higher sensitivity optical detection can be realized compared with the conventional microwave modulation lidar by using direct down conversion of modulation frequency. The system also has the function of ranging by using pseudo-random coding in modulation. Fiber-based optical circuit using wavelength region of 1.6 micron is a candidate for the system configuration. After the explanation of this configuration, feasibility study of this system on the application to global CO II monitoring is introduced.
Opto-electronic oscillators having optical resonators
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Yao, Xiaotian Steve (Inventor); Maleki, Lutfollah (Inventor); Ilchenko, Vladimir (Inventor)
2003-01-01
Systems and techniques of incorporating an optical resonator in an optical part of a feedback loop in opto-electronic oscillators. This optical resonator provides a sufficiently long energy storage time and hence to produce an oscillation of a narrow linewidth and low phase noise. Certain mode matching conditions are required. For example, the mode spacing of the optical resonator is equal to one mode spacing, or a multiplicity of the mode spacing, of an opto-electronic feedback loop that receives a modulated optical signal and to produce an electrical oscillating signal.
Diode laser satellite systems for beamed power transmission
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Williams, M. D.; Kwon, J. H.; Walker, G. H.; Humes, D. H.
1990-01-01
A power system composed of an orbiting laser satellite and a surface-based receiver/converter is described. Power is transmitted from the satellite to the receiver/converter by laser beam. The satellite components are: (1) solar collector; (2) blackbody; (3) photovoltaic cells; (4) heat radiators; (5) laser system; and (6) transmission optics. The receiver/converter components are: receiver dish; lenticular lens; photocells; and heat radiator. Although the system can be adapted to missions at many locations in the solar system, only two are examined here: powering a lunar habitat; and powering a lunar rover. Power system components are described and their masses, dimensions, operating powers, and temperatures, are estimated using known or feasible component capabilities. The critical technologies involved are discussed and other potential missions are mentioned.
Capacity of a direct detection optical communication channel
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tan, H. H.
1980-01-01
The capacity of a free space optical channel using a direct detection receiver is derived under both peak and average signal power constraints and without a signal bandwidth constraint. The addition of instantaneous noiseless feedback from the receiver to the transmitter does not increase the channel capacity. In the absence of received background noise, an optimally coded PPM system is shown to achieve capacity in the limit as signal bandwidth approaches infinity. In the case of large peak to average signal power ratios, an interleaved coding scheme with PPM modulation is shown to have a computational cutoff rate far greater than ordinary coding schemes.
Near Sun Free-Space Optical Communications from Space
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Biswas, Abhijit; Khatri, F.; Boroson, D.
2006-01-01
Free-space optical communications offers expanded data return capacity, from probes distributed throughout the solar system and beyond. Space-borne and Earth-based optical transceivers used for communicating optically, will periodically encounter near Sun pointing. This will result in an increase in the scattered background light flux, often contributing to degraded link performance. The varying duration of near Sun pointing link operations relative to the location of space-probes, is discussed in this paper. The impact of near Sun pointing on link performance for a direct detection photon-counting communications system is analyzed for both ground- and space-based Earth receivers. Finally, impact of near Sun pointing on spaceborne optical transceivers is discussed.
Optical communication system performance with tracking error induced signal fading.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tycz, M.; Fitzmaurice, M. W.; Premo, D. A.
1973-01-01
System performance is determined for an optical communication system using noncoherent detection in the presence of tracking error induced signal fading assuming (1) binary on-off modulation (OOK) with both fixed and adaptive threshold receivers, and (2) binary polarization modulation (BPM). BPM is shown to maintain its inherent 2- to 3-dB advantage over OOK when adaptive thresholding is used, and to have a substantially greater advantage when the OOK system is restricted to a fixed decision threshold.
Initial alignment method for free space optics laser beam
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shimada, Yuta; Tashiro, Yuki; Izumi, Kiyotaka; Yoshida, Koichi; Tsujimura, Takeshi
2016-08-01
The authors have newly proposed and constructed an active free space optics transmission system. It is equipped with a motor driven laser emitting mechanism and positioning photodiodes, and it transmits a collimated thin laser beam and accurately steers the laser beam direction. It is necessary to introduce the laser beam within sensible range of the receiver in advance of laser beam tracking control. This paper studies an estimation method of laser reaching point for initial laser beam alignment. Distributed photodiodes detect laser luminescence at respective position, and the optical axis of laser beam is analytically presumed based on the Gaussian beam optics. Computer simulation evaluates the accuracy of the proposed estimation methods, and results disclose that the methods help us to guide the laser beam to a distant receiver.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Toliver, Paul; Ozdur, Ibrahim; Agarwal, Anjali; Woodward, T. K.
2013-05-01
In this paper, we describe a detailed performance comparison of alternative single-pixel, single-mode LIDAR architectures including (i) linear-mode APD-based direct-detection, (ii) optically-preamplified PIN receiver, (iii) PINbased coherent-detection, and (iv) Geiger-mode single-photon-APD counting. Such a comparison is useful when considering next-generation LIDAR on a chip, which would allow one to leverage extensive waveguide-based structures and processing elements developed for telecom and apply them to small form-factor sensing applications. Models of four LIDAR transmit and receive systems are described in detail, which include not only the dominant sources of receiver noise commonly assumed in each of the four detection limits, but also additional noise terms present in realistic implementations. These receiver models are validated through the analysis of detection statistics collected from an experimental LIDAR testbed. The receiver is reconfigurable into four modes of operation, while transmit waveforms and channel characteristics are held constant. The use of a diffuse hard target highlights the importance of including speckle noise terms in the overall system analysis. All measurements are done at 1550 nm, which offers multiple system advantages including less stringent eye safety requirements and compatibility with available telecom components, optical amplification, and photonic integration. Ultimately, the experimentally-validated detection statistics can be used as part of an end-to-end system model for projecting rate, range, and resolution performance limits and tradeoffs of alternative integrated LIDAR architectures.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chand, Naresh; Magill, Peter D.; Swaminathan, Venkat S.; Yadvish, R. D.
1999-04-01
For low cost fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) passive optical networks (PON), we have studied the delivery of broadcast digital video as an overlay to baseband switched digital services on the same fiber using a single transmitter and a single receiver. We have multiplexed the baseband data at 155.52 Mbps with digital video QPSK channels in the 270 - 1450 MHz range with minimal degradation. We used an additional 860 MHz carrier modulated with 8 Mbps QPSK as a test-signal. An optical to electrical (O/E) receiver using an APD satisfies the power budget needs of ITU-T document G983.x for both class B and C operations (i.e., receiver sensitivity less than -33 dBm for a 10-10 bit error rate) without any FEC for both data and video. The PIN diode O/E receiver nearly satisfies the need for class B operation (-30 dBm receiver sensitivity) of G983 with FEC in QPSK FDM video. For a 155.52 Mbps baseband data transmission and for a given bit error rate, there is approximately 6 dBo1 optical power penalty due to video overlay. Of this, 1 dBo penalty is due to biasing the laser with an extinction ratio reduced from 10 dBo to approximately 6 dBo, and approximately 5 dBo penalty is due to receiver bandwidth increasing from approximately 100 MHz to approximately 1 GHz. The penalty due to receiver is after optimizing the filter for baseband data, and is caused by the reduced value of feedback resistor of the first stage transimpedance amplifier. The optical power penalty for video transmission is about 2 dBo due to reduced optical modulation index.
Optical communication with semiconductor laser diodes
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Davidson, F.
1988-01-01
Slot timing recovery in a direct detection optical PPM communication system can be achieved by processing the photodetector waveform with a nonlinear device whose output forms the input to a phase lock group. The choice of a simple transition detector as the nonlinearity is shown to give satisfactory synchronization performance. The rms phase error of the recovered slot clock and the effect of slot timing jitter on the bit error probability were directly measured. The experimental system consisted of an AlGaAs laser diode (lambda = 834 nm) and a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) photodetector and used Q=4 PPM signaling operated at a source data rate of 25 megabits/second. The mathematical model developed to characterize system performance is shown to be in good agreement with actual performance measurements. The use of the recovered slot clock in the receiver resulted in no degradation in receiver sensitivity compared to a system with perfect slot timing. The system achieved a bit error probability of 10 to the minus 6 power at received signal energies corresponding to an average of less than 60 detected photons per information bit.
Ultra-compact coherent receiver with serial interface for pluggable transceiver.
Itoh, Toshihiro; Nakajima, Fumito; Ohno, Tetsuichiro; Yamanaka, Shogo; Soma, Shunichi; Saida, Takashi; Nosaka, Hideyuki; Murata, Koichi
2014-09-22
An ultra-compact integrated coherent receiver with a volume of 1.3 cc using a quad-channel transimpedance amplifier (TIA)-IC chip with a serial peripheral interface (SPI) is demonstrated for the first time. The TIA with the SPI and photodiode (PD) bias circuits, a miniature dual polarization optical hybrid, an octal-PD and small optical coupling system enabled the realization of the compact receiver. Measured transmission performance with 32 Gbaud dual-polarization quadrature phase shift keying signal is equivalent to that of the conventional multi-source agreement-based integrated coherent receiver with dual channel TIA-ICs. By comparing the bit-error rate (BER) performance with that under continuous SPI access, we also confirmed that there is no BER degradation caused by SPI interface access. Such an ultra-compact receiver is promising for realizing a new generation of pluggable transceivers.
Synchronization using pulsed edge tracking in optical PPM communication system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gagliardi, R.
1972-01-01
A pulse position modulated (PPM) optical communication system using narrow pulses of light for data transmission requires accurate time synchronization between transmitter and receiver. The presence of signal energy in the form of optical pulses suggests the use of a pulse edge tracking method of maintaining the necessary timing. The edge tracking operation in a binary PPM system is examined, taking into account the quantum nature of the optical transmissions. Consideration is given first to pure synchronization using a periodic pulsed intensity, then extended to the case where position modulation is present and auxiliary bit decisioning is needed to aid the tracking operation. Performance analysis is made in terms of timing error and its associated statistics. Timing error variances are shown as a function of system signal to noise ratio.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Raghuwanshi, Sanjeev Kumar; Srivastav, Akash
2017-12-01
Microwave photonics system provides high bandwidth capabilities of fiber optic systems and also contains the ability to provide interconnect transmission properties, which are virtually independent of length. The low-loss wide bandwidth capability of optoelectronic systems makes them attractive for the transmission and processing of microwave signals, while the development of high-capacity optical communication systems has required the use of microwave techniques in optical transmitters and receivers. These two strands have led to the development of the research area of microwave photonics. So, we can considered microwave photonics as the field that studies the interaction between microwave and optical waves for applications such as communications, radars, sensors and instrumentations. In this paper we have thoroughly reviewed the microwave generation techniques by using photonics technology.
Video semaphore decoding for free-space optical communication
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Last, Matthew; Fisher, Brian; Ezekwe, Chinwuba; Hubert, Sean M.; Patel, Sheetal; Hollar, Seth; Leibowitz, Brian S.; Pister, Kristofer S. J.
2001-04-01
Using teal-time image processing we have demonstrated a low bit-rate free-space optical communication system at a range of more than 20km with an average optical transmission power of less than 2mW. The transmitter is an autonomous one cubic inch microprocessor-controlled sensor node with a laser diode output. The receiver is a standard CCD camera with a 1-inch aperture lens, and both hardware and software implementations of the video semaphore decoding algorithm. With this system sensor data can be reliably transmitted 21 km form San Francisco to Berkeley.
Yang, Yan; Geng, Chao; Li, Feng; Huang, Guan; Li, Xinyang
2017-10-30
Multi-aperture receiver with optical combining architecture is an effective approach to overcome the turbulent atmosphere effect on the performance of the free-space optical (FSO) communications, in which how to combine the multiple laser beams received by the sub-apertures efficiently is one of the key technologies. In this paper, we focus on the combining module based on fiber couplers, and propose the all-fiber coherent beam combining (CBC) with two architectures by using active phase locking. To validate the feasibility of the proposed combining module, corresponding experiments and simulations on the CBC of four laser beams are carried out. The experimental results show that the phase differences among the input beams can be compensated and the combining efficiency can be stably promoted by active phase locking in CBC with both of the two architectures. The simulation results show that the combining efficiency fluctuates when turbulent atmosphere is considered, and the effectiveness of the combining module decreases as the turbulence increases. We believe that the combining module proposed in this paper has great potential, and the results can provide significant advices for researchers when building such a multi-aperture receiver with optical combining architecture for FSO commutation systems.
Experimental results of 5-Gbps free-space coherent optical communications with adaptive optics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Mo; Liu, Chao; Rui, Daoman; Xian, Hao
2018-07-01
In a free-space optical communication system with fiber optical components, the received signal beam must be coupled into a single-mode fiber (SMF) before being amplified and detected. The impacts analysis of tracking errors and wavefront distortion on SMF coupling show that under the condition of relatively strong turbulence, only the tracking errors compensation is not enough, and turbulence wavefront aberration is required to be corrected. Based on our previous study and design of SMF coupling system with a 137-element continuous surface deformable mirror AO unit, we perform an experiment of a 5-Gbps Free-space Coherent Optical Communication (FSCOC) system, in which the eye pattern and Bit-error Rate (BER) are displayed. The comparative results are shown that the influence of the atmospheric is fatal in FSCOC systems. The BER of coherent communication is under 10-6 with AO compensation, which drops significantly compared with the BER without AO correction.
Duobinary pulse shaping for frequency chirp enabled complex modulation.
Che, Di; Yuan, Feng; Khodakarami, Hamid; Shieh, William
2016-09-01
The frequency chirp of optical direct modulation (DM) used to be a performance barrier of optical transmission system, because it broadens the signal optical spectrum, which becomes more susceptible to chromatic dispersion induced inter-symbol interference (ISI). However, by considering the chirp as frequency modulation, the single DM simultaneously generates a 2-D signal containing the intensity and phase (namely, the time integral of frequency). This complex modulation concept significantly increases the optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) sensitivity of DM systems. This Letter studies the duobinary pulse shaping (DB-PS) for chirp enabled DM and its impact on the optical bandwidth and system OSNR sensitivity. DB-PS relieves the bandwidth requirement, at the sacrifice of system OSNR sensitivity. As DB-PS induces a controlled ISI, the receiver requires one more tap for maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE). We verify this modified MLSE with a 10-Gbaud duobinary PAM-4 transmission experiment.
High-sensitivity DPSK receiver for high-bandwidth free-space optical communication links.
Juarez, Juan C; Young, David W; Sluz, Joseph E; Stotts, Larry B
2011-05-23
A high-sensitivity modem and high-dynamic range optical automatic gain controller (OAGC) have been developed to provide maximum link margin and to overcome the dynamic nature of free-space optical links. A sensitivity of -48.9 dBm (10 photons per bit) at 10 Gbps was achieved employing a return-to-zero differential phase shift keying based modem and a commercial Reed-Solomon forward error correction system. Low-noise optical gain was provided by an OAGC with a noise figure of 4.1 dB (including system required input loses) and a dynamic range of greater than 60 dB.
System and Method for Generating a Frequency Modulated Linear Laser Waveform
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor); Petway, Larry B. (Inventor); Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor); Barnes, Bruce W. (Inventor); Lockard, George E. (Inventor); Hines, Glenn D. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
A system for generating a frequency modulated linear laser waveform includes a single frequency laser generator to produce a laser output signal. An electro-optical modulator modulates the frequency of the laser output signal to define a linear triangular waveform. An optical circulator passes the linear triangular waveform to a band-pass optical filter to filter out harmonic frequencies created in the waveform during modulation of the laser output signal, to define a pure filtered modulated waveform having a very narrow bandwidth. The optical circulator receives the pure filtered modulated laser waveform and transmits the modulated laser waveform to a target.
System and Method for Generating a Frequency Modulated Linear Laser Waveform
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pierrottet, Diego F. (Inventor); Petway, Larry B. (Inventor); Amzajerdian, Farzin (Inventor); Barnes, Bruce W. (Inventor); Lockard, George E. (Inventor); Hines, Glenn D. (Inventor)
2014-01-01
A system for generating a frequency modulated linear laser waveform includes a single frequency laser generator to produce a laser output signal. An electro-optical modulator modulates the frequency of the laser output signal to define a linear triangular waveform. An optical circulator passes the linear triangular waveform to a band-pass optical filter to filter out harmonic frequencies created in the waveform during modulation of the laser output signal, to define a pure filtered modulated waveform having a very narrow bandwidth. The optical circulator receives the pure filtered modulated laser waveform and transmits the modulated laser waveform to a target.
Anguita, Jaime A; Neifeld, Mark A; Vasic, Bane V
2007-09-10
By means of numerical simulations we analyze the statistical properties of the power fluctuations induced by the incoherent superposition of multiple transmitted laser beams in a terrestrial free-space optical communication link. The measured signals arising from different transmitted optical beams are found to be statistically correlated. This channel correlation increases with receiver aperture and propagation distance. We find a simple scaling rule for the spatial correlation coefficient in terms of the propagation distance and we are able to predict the scintillation reduction in previously reported experiments with good accuracy. We propose an approximation to the probability density function of the received power of a spatially correlated multiple-beam system in terms of the parameters of the single-channel gamma-gamma function. A bit-error-rate evaluation is also presented to demonstrate the improvement of a multibeam system over its single-beam counterpart.
Laboratory evaluation of Fecker and Loral optical IR PWI systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gorstein, M.; Hallock, J. N.; Houten, M.; Mcwilliams, I. G.
1971-01-01
A previous flight test of two electro-optical pilot warning indicators, using a flashing xenon strobe and silicon detectors as cooperative elements, pointed out several design deficiencies. The present laboratory evaluation program corrected these faults and calibrated the sensitivity of both systems in azimuth elevation and range. The laboratory tests were performed on an optical bench and consisted of three basic components: (1) a xenon strobe lamp whose output is monitored at the indicator detector to give pulse to pulse information on energy content at the receiver; (2) a strobe light attenuating optical system which is calibrated photometrically to provide simulated range; and (3) a positioning table on which the indicator system under study is mounted and which provides spatial location coordinates for all data points. The test results for both systems are tabulated.
Nada, Masahiro; Nakamura, Makoto; Matsuzaki, Hideaki
2014-01-13
25-Gbit/s error-free operation of an optical receiver is successfully demonstrated against burst-mode optical input signals without preambles. The receiver, with a high-sensitivity avalanche photodiode and burst-mode transimpedance amplifier, exhibits sufficient receiver sensitivity and an extremely quick response suitable for burst-mode operation in 100-Gbit/s optical packet switching.
Multiple layer optical memory system using second-harmonic-generation readout
Boyd, Gary T.; Shen, Yuen-Ron
1989-01-01
A novel optical read and write information storage system is described which comprises a radiation source such as a laser for writing and illumination, the radiation source being capable of radiating a preselected first frequency; a storage medium including at least one layer of material for receiving radiation from the radiation source and capable of being surface modified in response to said radiation source when operated in a writing mode and capable of generating a pattern of radiation of the second harmonic of the preselected frequency when illuminated by the radiation source at the preselected frequency corresponding to the surface modifications on the storage medium; and a detector to receive the pattern of second harmonic frequency generated.
Li, Xinying; Yu, Jianjun; Dong, Ze; Zhang, Junwen; Chi, Nan; Yu, Jianguo
2013-03-01
We experimentally investigate the interference in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless transmission by adjusting the relative locations of horn antennas (HAs) in a 100 GHz optical wireless integration system, which can deliver a 50 Gb/s polarization-division-multiplexing quadrature-phase-shift-keying signal over 80 km single-mode fiber-28 and a 2×2 MIMO wireless link. For the parallel 2×2 MIMO wireless link, each receiver HA can only get wireless power from the corresponding transmitter HA, while for the crossover ones, the receiver HA can get wireless power from two transmitter HAs. At the wireless receiver, polarization demultiplexing is realized by the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) in the digital-signal-processing part. Compared to the parallel case, wireless interference causes about 2 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty at a bit-error ratio (BER) of 3.8×10(-3) for the crossover cases if similar CMA taps are employed. The increase in CMA tap length can reduce wireless interference and improve BER performance. Furthermore, more CMA taps should be adopted to overcome the severe wireless interference when two pairs of transmitter and receiver HAs have different wireless distances.
Multiple channel optical data acquisition system
Fasching, G.E.; Goff, D.R.
1985-02-22
A multiple channel optical data acquisition system is provided in which a plurality of remote sensors monitoring specific process variable are interrogated by means of a single optical fiber connecting the remote station/sensors to a base station. The remote station/sensors derive all power from light transmitted through the fiber from the base station. Each station/sensor is individually accessed by means of a light modulated address code sent over the fiber. The remote station/sensors use a single light emitting diode to both send and receive light signals to communicate with the base station and provide power for the remote station. The system described can power at least 100 remote station/sensors over an optical fiber one mile in length.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jackson, Deborah J. (Inventor)
1998-01-01
An analog optical encryption system based on phase scrambling of two-dimensional optical images and holographic transformation for achieving large encryption keys and high encryption speed. An enciphering interface uses a spatial light modulator for converting a digital data stream into a two dimensional optical image. The optical image is further transformed into a hologram with a random phase distribution. The hologram is converted into digital form for transmission over a shared information channel. A respective deciphering interface at a receiver reverses the encrypting process by using a phase conjugate reconstruction of the phase scrambled hologram.
Timing performance of phase-locked loops in optical pulse position modulation communication systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lafaw, D. A.
In an optical digital communication system, an accurate clock signal must be available at the receiver to provide proper synchronization with the transmitted signal. Phase synchronization is especially critical in M-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) systems where the optimum decision scheme is an energy detector which compares the energy in each of M time slots to decide which of M possible words was sent. A timing error causes energy spillover into adjacent time slots (a form of intersymbol interference) so that only a portion of the signal energy may be attributed to the correct time slot. This effect decreases the effective signal, increases the effective noise, and increases the probability of error. This report simulates a timing subsystem for a satellite-to-satellite optical PPM communication link. The receiver employs direct photodetection, preprocessing of the optical signal, and a phase-locked loop for timing synchronization. The photodetector output is modeled as a filtered, doubly stochastic Poisson shot noise process. The variance of the relative phase error is examined under varying signal strength conditions as an indication of loop performance, and simulation results are compared to theoretical relations.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azharuddin; Santarelli, Massimo
2016-09-01
Thermodynamic analysis of a closed cycle, solar powered Brayton gas turbine power plant with Concentrating Receiver system has been studied. A Brayton cycle is simpler than a Rankine cycle and has an advantage where the water is scarce. With the normal Brayton cycle a Concentrating Receiver System has been analysed which has a dependence on field density and optical system. This study presents a method of optimization of design parameter, such as the receiver working temperature and the heliostats density. This method aims at maximizing the overall efficiency of the three major subsystem that constitute the entire plant, namely, the heliostat field and the tower, the receiver and the power block. The results of the optimization process are shown and analysed.
Direct detection of the optical field beyond single polarization mode.
Che, Di; Sun, Chuanbowen; Shieh, William
2018-02-05
Direct detection is traditionally regarded as a detection method that recovers only the optical intensity. Compared with coherent detection, it owns a natural advantage-the simplicity-but lacks a crucial capability of field recovery that enables not only the multi-dimensional modulation, but also the digital compensation of the fiber impairments linear with the optical field. Full-field detection is crucial to increase the capacity-distance product of optical transmission systems. A variety of methods have been investigated to directly detect the optical field of the single polarization mode, which normally sends a carrier traveling with the signal for self-coherent detection. The crux, however, is that any optical transmission medium supports at least two propagating modes (e.g. single mode fiber supports two polarization modes), and until now there is no direct detection that can recover the complete set of optical fields beyond one polarization, due to the well-known carrier fading issue after mode demultiplexing induced by the random mode coupling. To avoid the fading, direct detection receivers should recover the signal in an intensity space isomorphic to the optical field without loss of any degrees of freedom, and a bridge should be built between the field and its isomorphic space for the multi-mode field recovery. Based on this thinking, we propose, for the first time, the direct detection of dual polarization modes by a novel receiver concept, the Stokes-space field receiver (SSFR) and its extension, the generalized SSFR for multiple spatial modes. The idea is verified by a dual-polarization field recovery of a polarization-multiplexed complex signal over an 80-km single mode fiber transmission. SSFR can be applied to a much wider range of fields beyond optical communications such as coherent sensing and imaging, where simple field recovery without an extra local laser is desired for enhanced system performance.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Imaki, Masaharu; Kameyama, Shumpei; Ishimura, Eitaro; Nakaji, Masaharu; Yoshinaga, Hideo; Hirano, Yoshihito
2017-03-01
We developed a line scanning time-of-flight (TOF) laser sensor for an intelligent transport system (ITS), which combines wide field-of-view (FOV) receiving optics of 30 deg and a high-speed microelectro mechanical system scanner of 0.9 ms/line with a simple sensor configuration. The newly developed high-aspect ratio photodiode realizes the scanless and wide FOV receiver. The sinusoidal wave intensity modulation method is used for the TOF measurement. This enables the noise reduction of the trans-impedance amplifier by applying the LC-resonant method. The vehicle detection and axle counting, which are the important functions in ITS, are also demonstrated.
Nonlinear Optics Technology. Volume 2. Phase Conjugated Optical Communication Link. Phase 3
1991-01-12
who performed the mission analysis, Mr. Larry A. Dozal whose laboratory assistance was vital to both the comm link experiments and mechanical design of...further the understanding of FWM PC comm link physics and to determine design requirements for a fieldable system. The system model demonstrated that...neterodyne receiver using photorefractive iaterial was also designed , fabricated, and characterized. The efficiency o heterodyne mixing of an aberrated
Optically triggered fire set/detonator system
Chase, Jay B.; Pincosy, Philip A.; Chato, Donna M.; Kirbie, Hugh; James, Glen F.
2007-03-20
The present invention is directed to a system having a plurality of capacitor discharge units (CDUs) that includes electrical bridge type detonators operatively coupled to respective explosives. A pulse charging circuit is adapted to provide a voltage for each respective capacitor in each CDU. Such capacitors are discharged through the electrical bridge type detonators upon receiving an optical signal to detonate respective operatively coupled explosives at substantially the same time.
InAlAs/InGaAs avalanche photodiode arrays for free space optical communication.
Ferraro, Mike S; Clark, William R; Rabinovich, William S; Mahon, Rita; Murphy, James L; Goetz, Peter G; Thomas, Linda M; Burris, Harris R; Moore, Christopher I; Waters, William D; Vaccaro, Kenneth; Krejca, Brian D
2015-11-01
In free space optical communication, photodetectors serve not only as communications receivers but also as position sensitive detectors (PSDs) for pointing, tracking, and stabilization. Typically, two separate detectors are utilized to perform these tasks, but recent advances in the fabrication and development of large-area, low-noise avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays have enabled these devices to be used both as PSDs and as communications receivers. This combined functionality allows for more flexibility and simplicity in optical system design without sacrificing the sensitivity and bandwidth performance of smaller, single-element data receivers. This work presents the development of APD arrays rated for bandwidths beyond 1 GHz with measured carrier ionization ratios of approximately 0.2 at moderate APD gains. We discuss the fabrication and characterization of three types of APD arrays along with their performance as high-speed photodetectors.
Zhang, Lu; Ouyang, Xing; Shao, Xiaopeng; Zhao, Jian
2016-06-27
Performance degradation induced by the DC components at the output of real-time analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is experimentally investigated for optical fast-OFDM receiver. To compensate this degradation, register transfer level (RTL) circuits for real-time digital DC blocker with 20GS/s throughput are proposed and implemented in field programmable gate array (FPGA). The performance of the proposed real-time digital DC blocker is experimentally investigated in a 15Gb/s optical fast-OFDM system with intensity modulation and direct detection over 40 km standard single-mode fibre. The results show that the fixed-point DC blocker has negligible performance penalty compared to the offline floating point one, and can overcome the error floor of the fast OFDM receiver caused by the DC components from the real-time ADC output.
Impact of Aerosols on Atmospheric Attenuation Loss in Central Receiver Systems: Preprint
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sengupta, M.; Wagner, M. J.
2011-08-01
Atmospheric attenuation loss between the heliostat field and receiver has been recognized as a significant source of loss in Central Receiver Systems. In clear sky situations, extinction of Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is primarily by aerosols in the atmosphere. When aerosol loading is high close to the surface the attenuation loss between heliostat and receivers is significantly influenced by the amount of aerosols present on a particular day. This study relates measured DNI to aerosol optical depths close to the surface of the earth. The model developed in the paper uses only measured DNI to estimate the attenuation between heliostatmore » and receiver in a central receiver system. The requirement that only a DNI measurement is available potentially makes the model a candidate for widespread use.« less
Free space optical ultra-wideband communications over atmospheric turbulence channels.
Davaslioğlu, Kemal; Cağiral, Erman; Koca, Mutlu
2010-08-02
A hybrid impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) communication system in which UWB pulses are transmitted over long distances through free space optical (FSO) links is proposed. FSO channels are characterized by random fluctuations in the received light intensity mainly due to the atmospheric turbulence. For this reason, theoretical detection error probability analysis is presented for the proposed system for a time-hopping pulse-position modulated (TH-PPM) UWB signal model under weak, moderate and strong turbulence conditions. For the optical system output distributed over radio frequency UWB channels, composite error analysis is also presented. The theoretical derivations are verified via simulation results, which indicate a computationally and spectrally efficient UWB-over-FSO system.
Ultrashort pulse energy distribution for propulsion in space
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bergstue, Grant Jared
This thesis effort focuses on the development of a novel, space-based ultrashort pulse transmission system for spacecraft. The goals of this research include: (1) ultrashort pulse transmission strategies for maximizing safety and efficiency; (2) optical transmission system requirements; (3) general system requirements including control techniques for stabilization; (4) optical system requirements for achieving effective ablative propulsion at the receiving spacecraft; and (5) ultrashort pulse transmission capabilities required for future missions in space. A key element of the research is the multiplexing device required for aligning the ultrashort pulses from multiple laser sources along a common optical axis for transmission. This strategy enables access to the higher average and peak powers required for useful missions in space.
Coherent detection of position errors in inter-satellite laser communications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Nan; Liu, Liren; Liu, De'an; Sun, Jianfeng; Luan, Zhu
2007-09-01
Due to the improved receiver sensitivity and wavelength selectivity, coherent detection became an attractive alternative to direct detection in inter-satellite laser communications. A novel method to coherent detection of position errors information is proposed. Coherent communication system generally consists of receive telescope, local oscillator, optical hybrid, photoelectric detector and optical phase lock loop (OPLL). Based on the system composing, this method adds CCD and computer as position error detector. CCD captures interference pattern while detection of transmission data from the transmitter laser. After processed and analyzed by computer, target position information is obtained from characteristic parameter of the interference pattern. The position errors as the control signal of PAT subsystem drive the receiver telescope to keep tracking to the target. Theoretical deviation and analysis is presented. The application extends to coherent laser rang finder, in which object distance and position information can be obtained simultaneously.
Fraunhofer filters to reduce solar background for optical communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kerr, E. L.
1986-01-01
A wavelength that lies within a spectral interval of reduced solar emission (a Fraunhofer line) can carry optical communications with reduced interference from direct or reflected background sunlight. Suitable Fraunhofer lines are located within the tuning range of good candidate lasers. The laser should be tunable dynamically to track Doppler shifts in the sunlight incident on any solar system body that may appear in the background as viewed by the receiver. A Fraunhofer filter used with a direct-detection receiver should be tuned to match the Doppler shifts of the source and background. The required tuning calculated here for various situations is also required if, instead, one uses a heterodyne receiver with limited post-detection bandwidth.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lim, Kwon-Seob; Yu, Hong-Yeon; Park, Hyoung-Jun; Kang, Hyun Seo; Jang, Jae-Hyung
2016-06-01
Low-cost single-mode four-channel optical transmitter and receiver modules using the wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) method have been developed for long-reach fiber optic applications. The single-mode four-channel WDM optical transmitter and receiver modules consist of two dual-wavelength optical transmitter and receiver submodules, respectively. The integration of two channels in a glass-sealed transistor outline-can package is an effective way to reduce cost and size and to extend the number of channels. The clear eye diagrams with more than about 6 dB of the extinction ratio and the minimum receiver sensitivity of lower than -16 dBm at a bit error rate of 10-12 have been obtained for the transmitter and receiver modules, respectively, at 5 Gbps/channel. The 4K ultrahigh definition contents have been transmitted over a 1-km-long single-mode fiber using a pair of proposed four-channel transmitter optical subassembly and receiver optical subassembly.
Word and frame synchronization with verification for PPM optical communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Marshall, William K.
1986-01-01
A method for obtaining word and frame synchronization in pulse position modulated optical communication systems is described. The method uses a short sync sequence inserted at the beginning of each data frame and a verification procedure to distinguish between inserted and randomly occurring sequences at the receiver. This results in an easy to implement sync system which provides reliable synchronization even at high symbol error rates. Results are given for the application of this approach to a highly energy efficient 256-ary PPM test system.
Joint digital signal processing for superchannel coherent optical communication systems.
Liu, Cheng; Pan, Jie; Detwiler, Thomas; Stark, Andrew; Hsueh, Yu-Ting; Chang, Gee-Kung; Ralph, Stephen E
2013-04-08
Ultra-high-speed optical communication systems which can support ≥ 1Tb/s per channel transmission will soon be required to meet the increasing capacity demand. However, 1Tb/s over a single carrier requires either or both a high-level modulation format (i.e. 1024QAM) and a high baud rate. Alternatively, grouping a number of tightly spaced "sub-carriers" to form a terabit superchannel increases channel capacity while minimizing the need for high-level modulation formats and high baud rate, which may allow existing formats, baud rate and components to be exploited. In ideal Nyquist-WDM superchannel systems, optical subcarriers with rectangular spectra are tightly packed at a channel spacing equal to the baud rate, thus achieving the Nyquist bandwidth limit. However, in practical Nyquist-WDM systems, precise electrical or optical control of channel spectra is required to avoid strong inter-channel interference (ICI). Here, we propose and demonstrate a new "super receiver" architecture for practical Nyquist-WDM systems, which jointly detects and demodulates multiple channels simultaneously and mitigates the penalties associated with the limitations of generating ideal Nyquist-WDM spectra. Our receiver-side solution relaxes the filter requirements imposed on the transmitter. Two joint DSP algorithms are developed for linear ICI cancellation and joint carrier-phase recovery. Improved system performance is observed with both experimental and simulation data. Performance analysis under different system configurations is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed joint DSP algorithms.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Xi; Zeng, Shuang; Liu, Xiulan; Jin, Yuan; Li, Xianglong; Wang, Xiaochen
2018-02-01
The electric vehicles (EV) have become accepted by increasing numbers of people for the environmental-friendly advantages. A novel way to charge the electric vehicles is through wireless power transfer (WPT). The wireless power transfer is a high power transfer system. The high currents flowing through the transmitter and receiver coils increasing temperature affects the safety of person and charging equipment. As a result, temperature measurement for wireless power transfer is needed. In this paper, a temperature measurement system based on optical fiber temperature sensors for electric vehicle wireless power transfer is proposed. Initially, the thermal characteristics of the wireless power transfer system are studied and the advantages of optical fiber sensors are analyzed. Then the temperature measurement system based on optical fiber temperature sensor is designed. The system consists of optical subsystem, data acquisition subsystem and data processing subsystem. Finally, the system is tested and the experiment result shows that the system can realize 1°C precision and can acquire real-time temperature distribution of the coils, which can meet the requirement of the temperature measuring for wireless power transfer.
Method and apparatus for free-space quantum key distribution in daylight
Hughes, Richard J.; Buttler, William T.; Lamoreaux, Steve K.; Morgan, George L.; Nordholt, Jane E.; Peterson, C. Glen; Kwiat, Paul G.
2004-06-08
A quantum cryptography apparatus securely generates a key to be used for secure transmission between a sender and a receiver connected by an atmospheric transmission link. A first laser outputs a timing bright light pulse; other lasers output polarized optical data pulses after having been enabled by a random bit generator. Output optics transmit output light from the lasers that is received by receiving optics. A first beam splitter receives light from the receiving optics, where a received timing bright light pulse is directed to a delay circuit for establishing a timing window for receiving light from the lasers and where an optical data pulse from one of the lasers has a probability of being either transmitted by the beam splitter or reflected by the beam splitter. A first polarizer receives transmitted optical data pulses to output one data bit value and a second polarizer receives reflected optical data pulses to output a second data bit value. A computer receives pulses representing receipt of a timing bright timing pulse and the first and second data bit values, where receipt of the first and second data bit values is indexed by the bright timing pulse.
Optical superheterodyne receiver.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Duval, K.; Lang, K.; Lucy, R. F.; Peters, C. J.
1967-01-01
Optical communication experiments to compare coherent and noncoherent optical detection fading characteristics in different weather conditions, using laser transmitter and optical superheterodyne receiver
Method and system for compact, multi-pass pulsed laser amplifier
Erlandson, Alvin Charles
2014-11-25
A laser amplifier includes an input aperture operable to receive laser radiation having a first polarization, an output aperture coupled to the input aperture by an optical path, and a polarizer disposed along an optical path. A transmission axis of the polarizer is aligned with the first polarization. The laser amplifier also includes n optical switch disposed along the optical path. The optical switch is operable to pass the laser radiation when operated in a first state and to reflect the laser radiation when operated in a second state. The laser amplifier further includes an optical gain element disposed along the optical path and a polarization rotation device disposed along the optical path.
Fabrication and comparison of selective, transparent optics for concentrating solar systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Taylor, Robert A.; Hewakuruppu, Yasitha; DeJarnette, Drew; Otanicar, Todd P.
2015-09-01
Concentrating optics enable solar thermal energy to be harvested at high temperature (<100oC). As the temperature of the receiver increases, radiative losses can become dominant. In many concentrating systems, the receiver is coated with a selectively absorbing surface (TiNOx, Black Chrome, etc.) to obtain higher efficiency. Commercial absorber coatings are well-developed to be highly absorbing for short (solar) wavelengths, but highly reflective at long (thermal emission) wavelengths. If a solar system requires an analogous transparent, non-absorbing optic - i.e. a cover material which is highly transparent at short wavelengths, but highly reflective at long wavelengths - the technology is simply not available. Low-e glass technology represents a commercially viable option for this sector, but it has only been optimized for visible light transmission. Optically thin metal hole-arrays are another feasible solution, but are often difficult to fabricate. This study investigates combinations of thin film coatings of transparent conductive oxides and nanoparticles as a potential low cost solution for selective solar covers. This paper experimentally compares readily available materials deposited on various substrates and ranks them via an `efficiency factor for selectivity', which represents the efficiency of radiative exchange in a solar collector. Out of the materials studied, indium tin oxide and thin films of ZnS-Ag-ZnS represent the most feasible solutions for concentrated solar systems. Overall, this study provides an engineering design approach and guide for creating scalable, selective, transparent optics which could potentially be imbedded within conventional low-e glass production techniques.
Design of 2*6 optical hybrid in inter-satellite coherent laser communications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Nan; Liu, Liren; Liu, De'an; Wan, Lingyu; Zhou, Yu
2008-08-01
Compared with direct detection, homodyne binary phase shift keying receivers can achieve the best sensitivity theoretically, and became the trend of the research and application in inter-satellite coherent laser communications. In coherent optical communication systems an optical hybrid is an essential component of the receiver. It demodulates the incoming signal by mixing it with the local oscillator. We present a design of a 2*6 optical hybrid. 4 output ports of the hybrid give the narrow mixed beams of the incoming signal and the local oscillator shifted by 90°for communication, and the others give the wide mixed beams with a shifted degree of 180°for position errors detection. CCD captures the interference pattern from the wide beams, and then the pattern is processed and analyzed by the computer. Target position information is obtained from characteristic parameter of the interference pattern. The position errors as the control signals of PAT (pointing, acquisition and tracking) subsystem drive the receiver telescope to keep tracking to the target. The application extends to coherent laser rang finder.
Optical control system for high-voltage terminals
Bicek, John J.
1978-01-01
An optical control system for the control of devices in the terminal of an electrostatic accelerator includes a laser that is modulated by a series of preselected codes produced by an encoder. A photodiode receiver is placed in the laser beam at the high-voltage terminal of an electrostatic accelerator. A decoder connected to the photodiode decodes the signals to provide control impulses for a plurality of devices at the high voltage of the terminal.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vyhnalek, Brian E.; Tedder, Sarah A.; Nappier, Jennifer M.
2018-01-01
Space-to-ground photon-counting optical communication links supporting high data rates over large distances require enhanced ground receiver sensitivity in order to reduce the mass and power burden on the spacecraft transmitter. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have been demonstrated to offer superior performance in detection efficiency, timing resolution, and count rates over semiconductor photodetectors, and are a suitable technology for high photon efficiency links. Recently photon detectors based on superconducting nanowires have become commercially available, and we have assessed the characteristics and performance of one such commercial system as a candidate for potential utilization in ground receiver designs. The SNSPD system features independent channels which can be added modularly, and we analyze the scalability of the system to support different data rates, as well as consider coupling concepts and issues as the number of channels increases.
High numerical aperture ring field projection system for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Hudyma, Russell
2001-01-01
An all-reflective optical system for a projection photolithography camera has a source of EUV radiation, a wafer and a mask to be imaged on the wafer. The optical system includes a first concave mirror, a second mirror, a third convex mirror, a fourth concave mirror, a fifth convex mirror and a sixth concave mirror. The system is configured such that five of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 12.degree., and each of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 15.degree.. Four of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 7 .mu.m. Five of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 14 .mu.m. Each of the six reflecting surfaces has an aspheric departure of less than 16.0 .mu.m.
High numerical aperture ring field projection system for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Hudyma, Russell
2000-01-01
An all-refelctive optical system for a projection photolithography camera has a source of EUV radiation, a wafer and a mask to be imaged on the wafer. The optical system includes a first concave mirror, a second mirror, a third convex mirror, a fourth concave mirror, a fifth convex mirror and a sixth concave mirror. The system is configured such that five of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle less than substantially 12.degree., and each of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 15.degree.. Four of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 7 .mu.m. Five of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 14 .mu.m. Each of the six refelecting surfaces has an aspheric departure of less than 16.0 .mu.m.
High numerical aperture ring field projection system for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Hudyma, Russell; Shafer, David R.
2001-01-01
An all-reflective optical system for a projection photolithography camera has a source of EUV radiation, a wafer and a mask to be imaged on the wafer. The optical system includes a first convex mirror, a second mirror, a third convex mirror, a fourth concave mirror, a fifth convex mirror and a sixth concave mirror. The system is configured such that five of the six mirrors receive a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 9.degree., and each of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 14.degree.. Four of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 12 .mu.m. Five of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 12 .mu.m. Each of the six reflecting surfaces has an aspheric departure of less than substantially 16 .mu.m.
High numerical aperture ring field projection system for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Hudyma, Russell; Shafer, David
2001-01-01
An all-reflective optical system for a projection photolithography camera has a source of EUV radiation, a wafer and a mask to be imaged on the wafer. The optical system includes a first convex mirror, a second mirror, a third convex mirror, a fourth concave mirror, a fifth convex mirror and a sixth concave mirror. The system is configured such that five of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 9.degree., and each of the six mirrors receives a chief ray at an incidence angle of less than substantially 14.degree.. Four of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 12 .mu.m. Five of the six reflecting surfaces have an aspheric departure of less than substantially 12 .mu.m. Each of the six reflecting surfaces has an aspheric departure of less than substantially 16 .mu.m.
Operational Reconnaissance for the Anti-Access /Area Denial environment
2015-04-01
locations, the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System ( DCGS ) collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates over 1.3 million megabits of... DCGS ; satellite data link between the aircraft and ground based receiver; and fiber- optic connection between the receiver, RPA crew, and DCGS . This...analysts and end users. DCGS Integration The Air Force global ISR enterprise is not configured to efficiently receive, exploit, or disseminate fighter
Yang, Yi; Foster, Mark; Khurgin, Jacob B; Cooper, A Brinton
2012-07-30
A novel coherent optical code-division multiple access (OCDMA) scheme is proposed that uses spectral line pairing to generate signals suitable for heterodyne decoding. Both signal and local reference are transmitted via a single optical fiber and a simple balanced receiver performs sourceless heterodyne detection, canceling speckle noise and multiple-access interference (MAI). To validate the idea, a 16 user fully loaded phase encoded system is simulated. Effects of fiber dispersion on system performance are studied as well. Both second and third order dispersion management is achieved by using a spectral phase encoder to adjust phase shifts of spectral components at the optical network unit (ONU).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nehra, Monika; Kedia, Deepak
2018-04-01
A CO-OFDM system combines the advantages of both coherent detection and OFDM modulation for future high speed fiber transmission. In this paper, we propose an I/Q modulation technique using dual-drive MZMs for high rate 10 Gb/s CO-OFDM system. The proposed modulator provides 10.63 dBm improved optical spectra compared to a single dual-drive MZM. The simulation results in terms of BER and Q factor are quite satisfactory upto a transmission reach of 3,000 km and that to without making use of any dispersion compensation. A BER of about 8.03×10-10 and 15.06 dB Q factor have been achieved at -10.43 dBm received optical power.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Khivsara, Sagar
Recent studies have evaluated closed-loop supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO 2) Brayton cycles to be a higher energy-density system in comparison to conventional superheated steam Rankine systems. At turbine inlet conditions of 923K and 25 MPa, high thermal efficiency (~50%) can be achieved. Achieving these high efficiencies will make concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies a competitive alternative to current power generation methods. To incorporate a s-CO 2 Brayton power cycle in a solar power tower system, the development of a solar receiver capable of providing an outlet temperature of 923 K (at 25 MPa) is necessary. To satisfy the temperature requirementsmore » of a s-CO 2 Brayton cycle with recuperation and recompression, it is required to heat s-CO 2 by a temperature of ~200 K as it passes through the solar receiver. Our objective was to develop an optical-thermal-fluid model to design and evaluate a tubular receiver that will receive a heat input ~1 MWth from a heliostat field. We also undertook the documentation of design requirements for the development, testing and safe operation of a direct s-CO 2 solar receiver. The main purpose of this document is to serve as a reference and guideline for design and testing requirements, as well as to address the technical challenges and provide initial parameters for the computational models that will be employed for the development of s-CO 2 receivers.« less
Nanosatellite optical downlink experiment: design, simulation, and prototyping
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Clements, Emily; Aniceto, Raichelle; Barnes, Derek; Caplan, David; Clark, James; Portillo, Iñigo del; Haughwout, Christian; Khatsenko, Maxim; Kingsbury, Ryan; Lee, Myron; Morgan, Rachel; Twichell, Jonathan; Riesing, Kathleen; Yoon, Hyosang; Ziegler, Caleb; Cahoy, Kerri
2016-11-01
The nanosatellite optical downlink experiment (NODE) implements a free-space optical communications (lasercom) capability on a CubeSat platform that can support low earth orbit (LEO) to ground downlink rates>10 Mbps. A primary goal of NODE is to leverage commercially available technologies to provide a scalable and cost-effective alternative to radio-frequency-based communications. The NODE transmitter uses a 200-mW 1550-nm master-oscillator power-amplifier design using power-efficient M-ary pulse position modulation. To facilitate pointing the 0.12-deg downlink beam, NODE augments spacecraft body pointing with a microelectromechanical fast steering mirror (FSM) and uses an 850-nm uplink beacon to an onboard CCD camera. The 30-cm aperture ground telescope uses an infrared camera and FSM for tracking to an avalanche photodiode detector-based receiver. Here, we describe our approach to transition prototype transmitter and receiver designs to a full end-to-end CubeSat-scale system. This includes link budget refinement, drive electronics miniaturization, packaging reduction, improvements to pointing and attitude estimation, implementation of modulation, coding, and interleaving, and ground station receiver design. We capture trades and technology development needs and outline plans for integrated system ground testing.
Developments in fiber optics for distribution automation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kirkham, H.; Friend, H.; Jackson, S.; Johnston, A.
1991-01-01
An optical fiber based communications system of unusual design is described. The system consists of a network of optical fibers overlaid on the distribution system. It is configured as a large number of interconnected rings, with some spurs. Protocols for access to and control of the network are described. Because of the way they function, the protocols are collectively called AbNET, in commemoration of the microbiologists' abbreviation Ab for antibody. Optical data links that could be optically powered are described. There are two versions, each of which has a good frequency response and minimal filtering requirements. In one, a conventional FM pulse train is used at the transmitter, and a novel form of phase-locked loop is used as demodulator. In the other, the FM transmitter is replaced with a pulse generator arranged so that the period between pulses represents the modulating signal. Transmitter and receiver designs, including temperature compensation methods, are presented. Experimental results are given.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Raible, Daniel E.; Dinca, Dragos; Nayfeh, Taysir H.
2012-01-01
An effective form of wireless power transmission (WPT) has been developed to enable extended mission durations, increased coverage and added capabilities for both space and terrestrial applications that may benefit from optically delivered electrical energy. The high intensity laser power beaming (HILPB) system enables long range optical 'refueling" of electric platforms such as micro unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV), airships, robotic exploration missions and spacecraft platforms. To further advance the HILPB technology, the focus of this investigation is to determine the optimal laser wavelength to be used with the HILPB receiver, which utilizes vertical multi-junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cells. Frequency optimization of the laser system is necessary in order to maximize the conversion efficiency at continuous high intensities, and thus increase the delivered power density of the HILPB system. Initial spectral characterizations of the device performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) indicate the approximate range of peak optical-to-electrical conversion efficiencies, but these data sets represent transient conditions under lower levels of illumination. Extending these results to high levels of steady state illumination, with attention given to the compatibility of available commercial off-the-shelf semiconductor laser sources and atmospheric transmission constraints is the primary focus of this paper. Experimental hardware results utilizing high power continuous wave (CW) semiconductor lasers at four different operational frequencies near the indicated band gap of the photovoltaic VMJ cells are presented and discussed. In addition, the highest receiver power density achieved to date is demonstrated using a single photovoltaic VMJ cell, which provided an exceptionally high electrical output of 13.6 W/sq cm at an optical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 24 percent. These results are very promising and scalable, as a potential 1.0 sq m HILPB receiver of similar construction would be able to generate 136 kW of electrical power under similar conditions.
Design and performance investigation of LDPC-coded upstream transmission systems in IM/DD OFDM-PONs
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gong, Xiaoxue; Guo, Lei; Wu, Jingjing; Ning, Zhaolong
2016-12-01
In Intensity-Modulation Direct-Detection (IM/DD) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Networks (OFDM-PONs), aside from Subcarrier-to-Subcarrier Intermixing Interferences (SSII) induced by square-law detection, the same laser frequency for data sending from Optical Network Units (ONUs) results in ONU-to-ONU Beating Interferences (OOBI) at the receiver. To mitigate those interferences, we design a Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC)-coded and spectrum-efficient upstream transmission system. A theoretical channel model is also derived, in order to analyze the detrimental factors influencing system performances. Simulation results demonstrate that the receiver sensitivity is improved 3.4 dB and 2.5 dB under QPSK and 8QAM, respectively, after 100 km Standard Single-Mode Fiber (SSMF) transmission. Furthermore, the spectrum efficiency can be improved by about 50%.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nagpal, Shaina; Gupta, Amit
2017-08-01
Free Space Optics (FSO) link exploits the tremendous network capacity and is capable of offering wireless communications similar to communications through optical fibres. However, FSO link is extremely weather dependent and the major effect on FSO links is due to adverse weather conditions like fog and snow. In this paper, an FSO link is designed using an array of receivers. The disparity of the link for very high attenuation conditions due to fog and snow is analysed using aperture averaging technique. Further effect of aperture averaging technique is investigated by comparing the systems using aperture averaging technique with systems not using aperture averaging technique. The performance of proposed model of FSO link has been evaluated in terms of Q factor, bit error rate (BER) and eye diagram.
Bi-orthogonal Symbol Mapping and Detection in Optical CDMA Communication System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Maw-Yang
2017-12-01
In this paper, the bi-orthogonal symbol mapping and detection scheme is investigated in time-spreading wavelength-hopping optical CDMA communication system. The carrier-hopping prime code is exploited as signature sequence, whose put-of-phase autocorrelation is zero. Based on the orthogonality of carrier-hopping prime code, the equal weight orthogonal signaling scheme can be constructed, and the proposed scheme using bi-orthogonal symbol mapping and detection can be developed. The transmitted binary data bits are mapped into corresponding bi-orthogonal symbols, where the orthogonal matrix code and its complement are utilized. In the receiver, the received bi-orthogonal data symbol is fed into the maximum likelihood decoder for detection. Under such symbol mapping and detection, the proposed scheme can greatly enlarge the Euclidean distance; hence, the system performance can be drastically improved.
Optical attenuation mechanism upgrades, MOBLAS, and TLRS systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Eichinger, Richard; Johnson, Toni; Malitson, Paul; Oldham, Thomas; Stewart, Loyal
1993-01-01
This poster presentation describes the Optical Attenuation Mechanism (OAM) Upgrades to the MOBLAS and TLRS Crustal Dynamics Satellite Laser Ranging (CDSLR) systems. The upgrades were for the purposes of preparing these systems to laser range to the TOPEX/POSEIDON spacecraft when it will be launched in the summer of 1992. The OAM permits the laser receiver to operate over the expected large signal dynamic range from TOPEX/POSEIDON and it reduces the number of pre- and post-calibrations for each satellite during multi-satellite tracking operations. It further simplifies the calibration bias corrections that had been made due to the pass-to-pass variation of the photomultiplier supply voltage and the transmit filter glass thickness. The upgrade incorporated improvements to the optical alignment capability of each CDSLR system through the addition of a CCD camera into the MOBLAS receive telescope and an alignment telescope onto the TLRS optical table. The OAM is stepper motor and microprocessor based; and the system can be controlled either manually by a control switch panel or computer controlled via an EIA RS-232C serial interface. The OAM has a neutral density (ND) range of 0.0 to 4.0 and the positioning is absolute referenced in steps of 0.1 ND. Both the fixed transmit filter and the daylight filter are solenoid actuated with digital inputs and outputs to and from the OAM microprocessor. During automated operation, the operator has the option to overide the remote control and control the OAM system via a local control switch panel.
Vehicle security apparatus and method
Veligdan, James T.
1996-02-13
A vehicle security apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising an optical key, a receptacle, a receiver and at least one optical fiber. The optical key has a transmitter having at least one first preprogrammed coded signal stored in a first electric circuit. The receptacle receives the optical key and at least one transmittable coded optical signal from the transmitter corresponding to the at least one preprogrammed coded signal stored in the first electric circuit. The receiver compares the at least one transmittable coded optical signal to at least one second preprogrammed coded signal stored in a second electric circuit and the receiver is adapted to trigger switching effects for at least one of enabling starting the motor vehicle and starting the motor vehicle upon determination that the at least one transmittable coded optical signal corresponds to the at least one second preprogrammed signal in the second electric circuit. The at least one optical fiber is operatively connected between the receptacle and the receiver for carrying the optical signal from the receptacle to the receiver. Also disclosed is a method for permitting only authorized use of a motor vehicle.
Optical Distance Measurement Device And Method Thereof
Bowers, Mark W.
2004-06-15
A system and method of efficiently obtaining distance measurements of a target by scanning the target. An optical beam is provided by a light source and modulated by a frequency source. The modulated optical beam is transmitted to an acousto-optical deflector capable of changing the angle of the optical beam in a predetermined manner to produce an output for scanning the target. In operation, reflected or diffused light from the target may be received by a detector and transmitted to a controller configured to calculate the distance to the target as well as the measurement uncertainty in calculating the distance to the target.
Hyperbola-parabola primary mirror in Cassegrain optical antenna to improve transmission efficiency.
Zhang, Li; Chen, Lu; Yang, HuaJun; Jiang, Ping; Mao, Shengqian; Caiyang, Weinan
2015-08-20
An optical model with a hyperbola-parabola primary mirror added in the Cassegrain optical antenna, which can effectively improve the transmission efficiency, is proposed in this paper. The optimum parameters of a hyperbola-parabola primary mirror and a secondary mirror for the optical antenna system have been designed and analyzed in detail. The parabola-hyperbola primary structure optical antenna is obtained to improve the transmission efficiency of 10.60% in theory, and the simulation efficiency changed 9.359%. For different deflection angles to the receiving antenna with the emit antenna, the coupling efficiency curve of the optical antenna has been obtained.
Compact Deep-Space Optical Communications Transceiver
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roberts, W. Thomas; Charles, Jeffrey R.
2009-01-01
Deep space optical communication transceivers must be very efficient receivers and transmitters of optical communication signals. For deep space missions, communication systems require high performance well beyond the scope of mere power efficiency, demanding maximum performance in relation to the precious and limited mass, volume, and power allocated. This paper describes the opto-mechanical design of a compact, efficient, functional brassboard deep space transceiver that is capable of achieving megabyte-per-second rates at Mars ranges. The special features embodied to enhance the system operability and functionality, and to reduce the mass and volume of the system are detailed. System tests and performance characteristics are described in detail. Finally, lessons learned in the implementation of the brassboard design and suggestions for improvements appropriate for a flight prototype are covered.
Timing performance of phased-locked loops in optical pulse position modulation communication systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lafaw, D. A.; Gardner, C. S.
1984-01-01
An optical digital communication system requires that an accurate clock signal be available at the receiver for proper synchronization with the transmitted signal. Phase synchronization is especially critical in M-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) systems where the optimum decision scheme is an energy detector which compares the energy in each of M time slots to decide which of M possible words was sent. Timing errors cause energy spillover into adjacent time slots (a form of intersymbol interference) so that only a portion of the signal energy may be attributed to the correct time slot. This effect decreases the effective signal, increases the effective noise, and increases the probability of error. A timing subsystem for a satellite-to-satellite optical PPM communication link is simulated. The receiver employs direct photodetection, preprocessing of the detected signal, and a phase-locked loop for timing synchronization. The variance of the relative phase error is examined under varying signal strength conditions as an indication of loop performance, and simulation results are compared to theoretical calculations.
Timing performance of phased-locked loops in optical pulse position modulation communication systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lafaw, D. A.; Gardner, C. S.
1984-08-01
An optical digital communication system requires that an accurate clock signal be available at the receiver for proper synchronization with the transmitted signal. Phase synchronization is especially critical in M-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) systems where the optimum decision scheme is an energy detector which compares the energy in each of M time slots to decide which of M possible words was sent. Timing errors cause energy spillover into adjacent time slots (a form of intersymbol interference) so that only a portion of the signal energy may be attributed to the correct time slot. This effect decreases the effective signal, increases the effective noise, and increases the probability of error. A timing subsystem for a satellite-to-satellite optical PPM communication link is simulated. The receiver employs direct photodetection, preprocessing of the detected signal, and a phase-locked loop for timing synchronization. The variance of the relative phase error is examined under varying signal strength conditions as an indication of loop performance, and simulation results are compared to theoretical calculations.
Fiber optical assembly for fluorescence spectrometry
Carpenter, II, Robert W.; Rubenstein, Richard; Piltch, Martin; Gray, Perry
2010-12-07
A system for analyzing a sample for the presence of an analyte in a sample. The system includes a sample holder for containing the sample; an excitation source, such as a laser, and at least one linear array radially disposed about the sample holder. Radiation from the excitation source is directed to the sample, and the radiation induces fluorescent light in the sample. Each linear array includes a plurality of fused silica optical fibers that receive the fluorescent light and transmits a fluorescent light signal from the first end to an optical end port of the linear array. An end port assembly having a photo-detector is optically coupled to the optical end port. The photo-detector detects the fluorescent light signal and converts the fluorescent light signal into an electrical signal.
Potential of OFDM for next generation optical access
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fritzsche, Daniel; Weis, Erik; Breuer, Dirk
2011-01-01
This paper shows the requirements for next generation optical access (NGOA) networks and analyzes the potential of OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) for the use in such network scenarios. First, we show the motivation for NGOA systems based on the future requirements on FTTH access systems and list the advantages of OFDM in such scenarios. In the next part, the basics of OFDM and different methods to generate and detect optical OFDM signals are explained and analyzed. At the transmitter side the options include intensity modulation and the more advanced field modulation of the optical OFDM signal. At the receiver there is the choice between direct detection and coherent detection. As the result of this discussion we show our vision of the future use of OFDM in optical access networks.
Cheng, Xuemin; Yang, Yikang; Hao, Qun
2016-01-01
The thermal environment is an important factor in the design of optical systems. This study investigated the thermal analysis technology of optical systems for navigation guidance and control in supersonic aircraft by developing empirical equations for the front temperature gradient and rear thermal diffusion distance, and for basic factors such as flying parameters and the structure of the optical system. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to study the relationship between flying and front dome parameters and the system temperature field. Systematic deduction was then conducted based on the effects of the temperature field on the physical geometry and ray tracing performance of the front dome and rear optical lenses, by deriving the relational expressions between the system temperature field and the spot size and positioning precision of the rear optical lens. The optical systems used for navigation guidance and control in supersonic aircraft when the flight speed is in the range of 1–5 Ma were analysed using the derived equations. Using this new method it was possible to control the precision within 10% when considering the light spot received by the four-quadrant detector, and computation time was reduced compared with the traditional method of separately analysing the temperature field of the front dome and rear optical lens using FEA. Thus, the method can effectively increase the efficiency of parameter analysis and computation in an airborne optical system, facilitating the systematic, effective and integrated thermal analysis of airborne optical systems for navigation guidance and control. PMID:27763515
Cheng, Xuemin; Yang, Yikang; Hao, Qun
2016-10-17
The thermal environment is an important factor in the design of optical systems. This study investigated the thermal analysis technology of optical systems for navigation guidance and control in supersonic aircraft by developing empirical equations for the front temperature gradient and rear thermal diffusion distance, and for basic factors such as flying parameters and the structure of the optical system. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to study the relationship between flying and front dome parameters and the system temperature field. Systematic deduction was then conducted based on the effects of the temperature field on the physical geometry and ray tracing performance of the front dome and rear optical lenses, by deriving the relational expressions between the system temperature field and the spot size and positioning precision of the rear optical lens. The optical systems used for navigation guidance and control in supersonic aircraft when the flight speed is in the range of 1-5 Ma were analysed using the derived equations. Using this new method it was possible to control the precision within 10% when considering the light spot received by the four-quadrant detector, and computation time was reduced compared with the traditional method of separately analysing the temperature field of the front dome and rear optical lens using FEA. Thus, the method can effectively increase the efficiency of parameter analysis and computation in an airborne optical system, facilitating the systematic, effective and integrated thermal analysis of airborne optical systems for navigation guidance and control.
Unidirectional waveguide grating antennas with uniform emission for optical phased arrays.
Raval, Manan; Poulton, Christopher V; Watts, Michael R
2017-07-01
We demonstrate millimeter-scale optical waveguide grating antennas with unidirectional emission for integrated optical phased arrays. Unidirectional emission eliminates the fundamental problem of blind spots in the element factor of a phased array caused by reflections of antenna radiation within the substrate. Over 90% directionality is demonstrated using a design consisting of two silicon nitride layers. Furthermore, the perturbation strength along the antenna is apodized to achieve uniform emission for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, on a millimeter scale. This allows for a high effective aperture and receiving efficiency. The emission profile of the measured 3 mm long antenna has a standard deviation of 8.65% of the mean. These antennas are state of the art and will allow for integrated optical phased arrays with blind-spot-free high transmission output power and high receiving efficiency for LIDAR and free-space communication systems.
Optical wireless communications to OC-768 and beyond
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Medved, David B.; Davidovich, Leonid
2001-10-01
Laser and LED-based wireless communication systems are currently providing license-free interconnection for broadband voice, data and video transport. These systems allow for the immediate, reliable and low-cost extension of copper and fiber-based networks to any end user, providing efficient First Mile bypass access to high data rate backbone networks at speeds ranging from T-1 voice to full throughput ATM at 155 Mbps and up to Gigabit Ethernet. These wireless optical beams constitute a Virtual Fiber in the air, providing the capabilities of fiber in situations where wired connectivity is unavailable, impractical, expensive or slow-to-implement, while achieving a combination of low cost, speed and reliability that cannot be matched by microwave, mm wave, spread spectrum or other competing (actually complementary) wireless technologies. The carrier frequency of the optical beam is about 10,000 times higher than the highest frequencies used by the millimeter wave technology. By means of Wavelength Division Multiplexing more than 1000 independent data channels can be projected into the air on a single beam thus providing a potential bandwidth ten million times that of any RF solution. The twin barriers of physics and regulatory bureaucracy to this essentially infinite wireless bandwidth are thus eliminated by this Virtual Fiber. As user density and individual bandwidth needs escalate, the optical wireless will be the preferred medium of choice in both network and cellular interconnection. A mesh topology which integrates our optical wireless systems with the latest Optical Access switches and routing equipment will be described using case study examples from Japan to South America. As the Bandwidth Blowout continues to push the limits of electronics and especially in the case of DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiples), the conventional optical wireless solutions are no longer feasible. Instead of using f.o. transceivers to convert photons to electrons and thence back to photons we have designed a series of airlinks whose transmitters and receivers operate without electronics. At the PATX (Photonic Airlink Transmitter), instead of demodulating the fiber optic input signals from a Network Interface Unit (NIU) we project the light from the polished terminated fiber end into the air using appropriate optics. Any signal being carried by the fiber from the NIU is now airborne without any intermediate processing electronics thus realizing the full potential of the optical carrier. At the receiver end (PARX - Photonic Airlink Receiver), the weak optical signals are collected by the appropriate optics (including combiners using large area MMF) and guided to the NIU (switch, PABX, etc.) by compatible fiber. It is necessary to maintain a large field-of-view at the receiver to ensure reliability, stability and ease of alignment. This is achieved by use of high N.A. fiber. In this paper we discuss the design trade off's, construction and field test results of several systems implementing the all- photonic wireless concept including: Transmission of WDM signals through the air at distances up to 1 km. Results with wireless transmission of Gigabit Ethernet using the Optiswitch modules as the NIU. Providing high speed wireless (Fast Ethernet and beyond) to the home at a cost of less than $250 per node. The paper will conclude with a discussion on the role of the all-photonic wireless technology in the emerging field of Passive Optical Networking.
Multi-aperture digital coherent combining for free-space optical communication receivers.
Geisler, David J; Yarnall, Timothy M; Stevens, Mark L; Schieler, Curt M; Robinson, Bryan S; Hamilton, Scott A
2016-06-13
Space-to-ground optical communication systems can benefit from reducing the size, weight, and power profiles of space terminals. One way of reducing the required power-aperture product on a space platform is to implement effective, but costly, single-aperture ground terminals with large collection areas. In contrast, we present a ground terminal receiver architecture in which many small less-expensive apertures are efficiently combined to create a large effective aperture while maintaining excellent receiver sensitivity. This is accomplished via coherent detection behind each aperture followed by digitization. The digitized signals are then combined in a digital signal processing chain. Experimental results demonstrate lossless coherent combining of four lasercom signals, at power levels below 0.1 photons/bit/aperture.
Cloaking data in optical networks
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Klein, Avi; Shahal, Shir; Masri, Gilad; Duadi, Hamootal; Fridman, Moti
2018-01-01
Modern networks implement multi-layer encryption architecture to increase network security, stability, and robustness. We developed a new paradigm for optical encryption based on the strengths of optics over electronics and according to temporal optics principles. We developed a highly efficient all-optical encryption scheme for modern networks. Our temporal encryption scheme exploits the strength of optics over electronics. Specifically, we utilize dispersion together with nonlinear interaction for mixing neighboring bits with a private key. Our system encrypts the entire network traffic without any latency, encrypt the signal itself, exploit only one non- linear interaction, it is energetically efficient with low ecologic footprint, and can be added to current networks without replacing the hardware such as the lasers, the transmitters, the routers, the amplifiers or the receivers. Our method can replace current slow encryption methods or can be added to increase the security of existing systems. In this paper, we elaborate on the theoretical models of the system and how we evaluate the encryption strength with this numerical tools.
Readout Strategy of an Electro-optical Coupled PET Detector for Time-of-Flight PET/MRI
Bieniosek, M F; Olcott, P D; Levin, C S
2013-01-01
Combining PET with MRI in a single system provides clinicians with complementary molecular and anatomical information. However, existing integrated PET/MRI systems do not have time-of-flight PET capabilities. This work describes an MRI-compatible front-end electronic system with ToF capabilities. The approach employs a fast arrival-time pickoff comparator to digitize the timing information, and a laser diode to drive a 10m fiber-optic cable to optically transmit asynchronous timing information to a photodiode receiver readout system. The comparator and this electo-optical link show a combined 11.5ps fwhm jitter in response to a fast digital pulse. When configured with LYSO scintillation crystals and Hamamatsu MPPC silicon photo-multipliers the comparator and electro-optical link achieved a 511keV coincidence time resolution of 254.7ps +/− 8.0ps fwhm with 3×3×20mm crystals and 166.5 +/− 2.5ps fwhm with 3×3×5mm crystals. PMID:24061218
Distributing Frequency And Time Signals On Optical Fibers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lutes, George F.
1993-01-01
Paper reports progress in distribution of frequency and time reference signals over optical fibers. Describes current performance at frequencies of 100 MHz, 1 GHz, and 8.4 GHz. Also describes transmitting and receiving equipment and discusses tradeoff between cost and performance. Concludes with discussion of likely future development and effects of developments on systems using distributed frequency reference signals.
Microwave signal processing with photorefractive dynamic holography
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fotheringham, Edeline B.
Have you ever found yourself listening to the music playing from the closest stereo rather than to the bromidic (uninspiring) person speaking to you? Your ears receive information from two sources but your brain listens to only one. What if your cell phone could distinguish among signals sharing the same bandwidth too? There would be no "full" channels to stop you from placing or receiving a call. This thesis presents a nonlinear optical circuit capable of distinguishing uncorrelated signals that have overlapping temporal bandwidths. This so called autotuning filter is the size of a U.S. quarter dollar and requires less than 3 mW of optical power to operate. It is basically an oscillator in which the losses are compensated with dynamic holographic gain. The combination of two photorefractive crystals in the resonator governs the filter's winner-take-all dynamics through signal-competition for gain. This physical circuit extracts what is mathematically referred to as the largest principal component of its spatio-temporal input space. The circuit's practicality is demonstrated by its incorporation in an RF-photonic system. An unknown mixture of unknown microwave signals, received by an antenna array, constitutes the input to the system. The output electronically returns one of the original microwave signals. The front-end of the system down converts the 10 GHz microwave signals and amplifies them before the signals phase modulate optical beams. The optical carrier is suppressed from these beams so that it may not be considered as a signal itself to the autotuning filter. The suppression is achieved with two-beam coupling in a single photorefractive crystal. The filter extracts the more intense of the signals present on the carrier-suppressed input beams. The detection of the extracted signal restores the microwave signal to an electronic form. The system, without the receiving antenna array, is packaged in a 13 x 18 x 6″ briefcase. Its power consumption equals that of a regular 50 W household light bulb. The system was shipped to different parts of the country for real-time demonstrations of signal separation thus also validating its claim to robustness.
Laser Transmitter Aims At Laser Beacon
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hemmati, Hamid; Lesh, James R.
1993-01-01
Transmitter part of developmental optical communication system. Compact, lightweight, partially-self-aiming laser transmitter built to verify some capabilities of developmental free-space optical communication system. Design capable of providing 0.5 Mbps data return over range equal to Moon-Earth distance. Breadboard of transmitting terminal constructed and tested in laboratory. Prototype transmitter includes receiving circuitry that keeps it aimed at beacon, once brought into initial alignment within about 1.7 degrees of line of sight to beacon.
Analysis of Optical CDMA Signal Transmission: Capacity Limits and Simulation Results
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Garba, Aminata A.; Yim, Raymond M. H.; Bajcsy, Jan; Chen, Lawrence R.
2005-12-01
We present performance limits of the optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) networks. In particular, we evaluate the information-theoretical capacity of the OCDMA transmission when single-user detection (SUD) is used by the receiver. First, we model the OCDMA transmission as a discrete memoryless channel, evaluate its capacity when binary modulation is used in the interference-limited (noiseless) case, and extend this analysis to the case when additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is corrupting the received signals. Next, we analyze the benefits of using nonbinary signaling for increasing the throughput of optical CDMA transmission. It turns out that up to a fourfold increase in the network throughput can be achieved with practical numbers of modulation levels in comparison to the traditionally considered binary case. Finally, we present BER simulation results for channel coded binary and[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]-ary OCDMA transmission systems. In particular, we apply turbo codes concatenated with Reed-Solomon codes so that up to several hundred concurrent optical CDMA users can be supported at low target bit error rates. We observe that unlike conventional OCDMA systems, turbo-empowered OCDMA can allow overloading (more active users than is the length of the spreading sequences) with good bit error rate system performance.
Tang, Chanjuan; Yu, Jianjun; Li, Xinying; Chi, Nan; Xiao, Jiangnan; Tian, Yumin; Zhang, Junwen
2014-01-13
We propose and experimentally demonstrate a full-duplex bi-directional transmission optical wireless-over fiber integration system at W-band (75-100 GHz) with the speed up to 15 Gb/s for both 95.4 GHz link and 88.6 GHz link for the first time. The generation of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless signal is based on the photonic technique by heterodyne mixing of an optical quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal with a free-running light at different wavelength. After 20 km fiber transmission, up to 30 Gb/s mm-wave signal is delivered over 2 m wireless link, and then converted to the optical signal for another 20 km fiber transmission. At the wireless receiver, coherent detection and advanced digital signal processing (DSP) are introduced to improve receiver sensitivity and system performance. With the OSNR of 15 dB, the bit error ratios (BERs) for 10 Gb/s signal transmission at 95.4 GHz and 88.6 GHz are below the forward-error-correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10(-3) whether post filter is used or not, while the BER for 15 Gb/s QPSK signal employing post filter in the link of 95.4 GHz is 2.9 × 10(-3).
Electro-Optic Time-to-Space Converter for Optical Detector Jitter Mitigation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Birnbaum, Kevin; Farr, William
2013-01-01
A common problem in optical detection is determining the arrival time of a weak optical pulse that may comprise only one to a few photons. Currently, this problem is solved by using a photodetector to convert the optical signal to an electronic signal. The timing of the electrical signal is used to infer the timing of the optical pulse, but error is introduced by random delay between the absorption of the optical pulse and the creation of the electrical one. To eliminate this error, a time-to-space converter separates a sequence of optical pulses and sends them to different photodetectors, depending on their arrival time. The random delay, called jitter, is at least 20 picoseconds for the best detectors capable of detecting the weakest optical pulses, a single photon, and can be as great as 500 picoseconds. This limits the resolution with which the timing of the optical pulse can be measured. The time-to-space converter overcomes this limitation. Generally, the time-to-space converter imparts a time-dependent momentum shift to the incoming optical pulses, followed by an optical system that separates photons of different momenta. As an example, an electro-optic phase modulator can be used to apply longitudinal momentum changes (frequency changes) that vary in time, followed by an optical spectrometer (such as a diffraction grating), which separates photons with different momenta into different paths and directs them to impinge upon an array of photodetectors. The pulse arrival time is then inferred by measuring which photodetector receives the pulse. The use of a time-to-space converter mitigates detector jitter and improves the resolution with which the timing of an optical pulse is determined. Also, the application of the converter enables the demodulation of a pulse position modulated signal (PPM) at higher bandwidths than using previous photodetector technology. This allows the creation of a receiver for a communication system with high bandwidth and high bits/photon efficiency.
Link Performance Analysis of a Ship-to-Ship Laser Communication System
2012-03-01
the optical output by a modulating signal. Direct detection requires only the intensity, and not the phase information, of the input signal to...links have a higher signal-to-noise ratio ( ) as compared to RF link. However, at approximately 108 km, the SNR for the optical links is much... optical signal received is mixed with a light signal generated from a local oscillator laser (LO-laser). The combined signals are then impinged onto the
Remote Transmission at High Speed
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2003-01-01
Omni and NASA Test Operations at Stennis entered a Dual-Use Agreement to develop the FOTR-125, a 125 megabit-per-second fiber-optic transceiver that allows accurate digital recordings over a great distance. The transceiver s fiber-optic link can be as long as 25 kilometers. This makes it much longer than the standard coaxial link, which can be no longer than 50 meters.The FOTR-125 utilizes laser diode transmitter modules and integrated receivers for the optical interface. Two transmitters and two receivers are employed at each end of the link with automatic or manual switchover to maximize the reliability of the communications link. NASA uses the transceiver in Stennis High-Speed Data Acquisition System (HSDAS). The HSDAS consists of several identical systems installed on the Center s test stands to process all high-speed data related to its propulsion test programs. These transceivers allow the recorder and HSDAS controls to be located in the Test Control Center in a remote location while the digitizer is located on the test stand.
Secondary and compound concentrators for parabolic dish solar thermal power systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jaffe, L. D.; Poon, P. T.
1981-01-01
A secondary optical element may be added to a parabolic dish solar concentrator to increase the geometric concentration ratio attainable at a given intercept factor. This secondary may be a Fresnel lens or a mirror, such as a compound elliptic concentrator or a hyperbolic trumpet. At a fixed intercept factor, higher overall geometric concentration may be obtainable with a long focal length primary and a suitable secondary matched to it. Use of a secondary to increase the geometric concentration ratio is more likely to e worthwhile if the receiver temperature is high and if errors in the primary are large. Folding the optical path with a secondary may reduce cost by locating the receiver and power conversion equipment closer to the ground and by eliminating the heavy structure needed to support this equipment at the primary focus. Promising folded-path configurations include the Ritchey-Chretien and perhaps some three element geometries. Folding the optical path may be most useful in systems that provide process heat.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mandal, Gour Chandra; Mukherjee, Rahul; Das, Binoy; Patra, Ardhendu Sekhar
2018-03-01
An innovative low cost reflective semiconductor amplifier (RSOA) based bidirectional Triple-play services (TPS) using wavelength division multiplexed radio on free-space-optics passive optical network (WDM-RoFSO-PON) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated to transmit data, voice and video services simultaneously. In this paper, the TPS (10 Gb/s data/voice and 1.49 Gb/s HDTV signal) are successfully transmitted over a 500 m free-space link in downstream and RSOA is utilized at the receiving site to broadcast 1.25 Gb/s data/voice signal over same free-space link in upstream by reusing the carrier, that makes the system cost-effective. High receiver sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low bit-error-rate (BER) and low error vector magnitude (EVM), and excellent eye-diagrams in our proposed network build the system more reliable and stable with acceptable performance. Therefore, proposed WDM-RoFSO-PON could be the viable solution for future ubiquitous multiservice wireless network in the scenario of TPS.
Multi-beam transmitter geometries for free-space optical communications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tellez, Jason A.; Schmidt, Jason D.
2010-02-01
Free-space optical communications systems provide the opportunity to take advantage of higher data transfer rates and lower probability of intercept compared to radio-frequency communications. However, propagation through atmospheric turbulence, such as for airborne laser communication over long paths, results in intensity variations at the receiver and a corresponding degradation in bit error rate (BER) performance. Previous literature has shown that two transmitters, when separated sufficiently, can effectively average out the intensity varying effects of the atmospheric turbulence at the receiver. This research explores the impacts of adding more transmitters and the marginal reduction in the probability of signal fades while minimizing the overall transmitter footprint, an important design factor when considering an airborne communications system. Analytical results for the cumulative distribution function are obtained for tilt-only results, while wave-optics simulations are used to simulate the effects of scintillation. These models show that the probability of signal fade is reduced as the number of transmitters is increased.
Quantum communications system with integrated photonic devices
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nordholt, Jane E.; Peterson, Charles Glen; Newell, Raymond Thorson
Security is increased in quantum communication (QC) systems lacking a true single-photon laser source by encoding a transmitted optical signal with two or more decoy-states. A variable attenuator or amplitude modulator randomly imposes average photon values onto the optical signal based on data input and the predetermined decoy-states. By measuring and comparing photon distributions for a received QC signal, a single-photon transmittance is estimated. Fiber birefringence is compensated by applying polarization modulation. A transmitter can be configured to transmit in conjugate polarization bases whose states of polarization (SOPs) can be represented as equidistant points on a great circle on themore » Poincare sphere so that the received SOPs are mapped to equidistant points on a great circle and routed to corresponding detectors. Transmitters are implemented in quantum communication cards and can be assembled from micro-optical components, or transmitter components can be fabricated as part of a monolithic or hybrid chip-scale circuit.« less
Tolerance of the frequency deviation of LO sources at a MIMO system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Jiangnan; Li, Xingying; Zhang, Zirang; Xu, Yuming; Chen, Long; Yu, Jianjun
2015-11-01
We analyze and simulate the tolerance of frequency offset at a W-band optical-wireless transmission system. The transmission system adopts optical polarization division multiplexing (PDM), and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) reception. The transmission signal adopts optical quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation, and the generation of millimeter-wave is based on the optical heterodyning technique. After 20-km single-mode fiber-28 (SMF-28) transmission, tens of Gb/s millimeter-wave signal is delivered. At the receiver, two millimeter-wave signals are down-converted into electrical intermediate-frequency (IF) signals in the analog domain by mixing with two electrical local oscillators (LOs) with different frequencies. We investigate the different frequency LO effect on the 2×2 MIMO system performance for the first time, finding that the process during DSP of implementing frequency offset estimation (FOE) before cascaded multi-modulus-algorithm (CMMA) equalization can get rid of the inter-channel interference (ICI) and improve system bit-error-ratio (BER) performance in this type of transmission system.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jefferies, K.
1994-01-01
OFFSET is a ray tracing computer code for optical analysis of a solar collector. The code models the flux distributions within the receiver cavity produced by reflections from the solar collector. It was developed to model the offset solar collector of the solar dynamic electric power system being developed for Space Station Freedom. OFFSET has been used to improve the understanding of the collector-receiver interface and to guide the efforts of NASA contractors also researching the optical components of the power system. The collector for Space Station Freedom consists of 19 hexagonal panels each containing 24 triangular, reflective facets. Current research is geared toward optimizing flux distribution inside the receiver via changes in collector design and receiver orientation. OFFSET offers many options for experimenting with the design of the system. The offset parabolic collector model configuration is determined by an input file of facet corner coordinates. The user may choose other configurations by changing this file, but to simulate collectors that have other than 19 groups of 24 triangular facets would require modification of the FORTRAN code. Each of the roughly 500 facets in the assembled collector may be independently aimed to smooth out, or tailor, the flux distribution on the receiver's wall. OFFSET simulates the effects of design changes such as in receiver aperture location, tilt angle, and collector facet contour. Unique features of OFFSET include: 1) equations developed to pseudo-randomly select ray originating sources on the Sun which appear evenly distributed and include solar limb darkening; 2) Cone-optics technique used to add surface specular error to the ray originating sources to determine the apparent ray sources of the reflected sun; 3) choice of facet reflective surface contour -- spherical, ideal parabolic, or toroidal; 4) Gaussian distributions of radial and tangential components of surface slope error added to the surface normals at the ten nodal points on each facet; and 5) color contour plots of receiver incident flux distribution generated by PATRAN processing of FORTRAN computer code output. OFFSET output includes a file of input data for confirmation, a PATRAN results file containing the values necessary to plot the flux distribution at the receiver surface, a PATRAN results file containing the intensity distribution on a 40 x 40 cm area of the receiver aperture plane, a data file containing calculated information on the system configuration, a file including the X-Y coordinates of the target points of each collector facet on the aperture opening, and twelve P/PLOT input data files to allow X-Y plotting of various results data. OFFSET is written in FORTRAN (70%) for the IBM VM operating system. The code contains PATRAN statements (12%) and P/PLOT statements (18%) for generating plots. Once the program has been run on VM (or an equivalent system), the PATRAN and P/PLOT files may be transferred to a DEC VAX (or equivalent system) with access to PATRAN for PATRAN post processing. OFFSET was written in 1988 and last updated in 1989. PATRAN is a registered trademark of PDA Engineering. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. DEC VAX is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.
The 1.06 optical receiver. [avalanche photodiodes for laser range finders
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tomasetta, L. R.; Law, H. D.; Nakano, K.; Scholl, F. W.; Harris, J. S., Jr.
1978-01-01
High performance 1.06 micron m avalanche photodetectors (APDs), fabricated in the GaAlSb system, have high quantum efficiency (90 percent), high speed (risetime less than 60 ps) and low leakage currents (less than 50 na). The dark current represents more than an order of magnitude reduction compared to previously reported results. The high speed avalanche gain of these devices is between 20 and 50. The area uniformity is better than + or - 10 percent. GaAlAs APDs at 0.53 micron m have even faster speed, lower dark currents, and high speed gains of 100 to 200. Optical rangefinders based on measured APD performance parameters have far superior performance when compared to even ideal photomultiplier tubes in either a one color or two color rangefinder system. For a one color system, f factor of two lower time jitter can be achieved with identical transmitted power. The superiority of the APD based two color receiver is significant and exists in the entire range of desired time jitters (less than 100 ps) and received power levels.
Vehicle security apparatus and method
Veligdan, J.T.
1996-02-13
A vehicle security apparatus for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed, the apparatus comprising an optical key, a receptacle, a receiver and at least one optical fiber. The optical key has a transmitter having at least one first preprogrammed coded signal stored in a first electric circuit. The receptacle receives the optical key and at least one transmittable coded optical signal from the transmitter corresponding to the at least one preprogrammed coded signal stored in the first electric circuit. The receiver compares the at least one transmittable coded optical signal to at least one second preprogrammed coded signal stored in a second electric circuit and the receiver is adapted to trigger switching effects for at least one of enabling starting the motor vehicle and starting the motor vehicle upon determination that the at least one transmittable coded optical signal corresponds to the at least one second preprogrammed signal in the second electric circuit. The at least one optical fiber is operatively connected between the receptacle and the receiver for carrying the optical signal from the receptacle to the receiver. Also disclosed is a method for permitting only authorized use of a motor vehicle. 7 figs.
Optical and thermal simulation for wide acceptance angle CPV module
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahmad, Nawwar; Ota, Yasuyuki; Araki, Kenji; Lee, Kan-Hua; Yamaguchi, Masafumi; Nishioka, Kensuke
2017-09-01
Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology has the potential to decrease the cost of systems in the near future by using less expensive optical elements in the system which replace the receiving surface aperture and concentrate the sunlight onto small solar cells. One of the main concerns of CPV is the need for high precision tracking system and the relation to the acceptance angle. In this paper, we proposed a CPV module with concentration ratio larger than 100 times and wide acceptance angle. An optical simulation for the module with S-TIM2 glass as a lens material was conducted to estimate the optical performance of the module. Thermal and electrical simulation was also conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics and SPICE respectively to evaluate the working temperature and electrical characteristics of the multijunction solar cell under concentration conditions.
Nonimaging optics maximizing exergy for hybrid solar system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Winston, Roland; Jiang, Lun; Abdelhamid, Mahmoud; Widyolar, Bennett K.; Ferry, Jonathan; Cygan, David; Abbasi, Hamid; Kozlov, Alexandr; Kirk, Alexander; Elarde, Victor; Osowski, Mark
2016-09-01
The project team of University of California at Merced (UC-Merced), Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and MicroLink Devices Inc. (MicroLink) are developing a hybrid solar system using a nonimaging compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) that maximizes the exergy by delivering direct electricity and on-demand heat. The hybrid solar system technology uses secondary optics in a solar receiver to achieve high efficiency at high temperature, collects heat in particles and uses reflective liftoff cooled double junction (2J) InGaP/GaAs solar cells with backside infrared (IR) reflectors on the secondary optical element to raise exergy efficiency. The nonimaging optics provides additional concentration towards the high temperature thermal stream and enables it to operate efficiently at 650 °C while the solar cell is maintained at 40 °C to operate as efficiently as possible.
A full-duplex optical access system with hybrid 64/16/4QAM-OFDM downlink
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
He, Chao; Tan, Ze-fu; Shao, Yu-feng; Cai, Li; Pu, He-sheng; Zhu, Yun-le; Huang, Si-si; Liu, Yu
2016-09-01
A full-duplex optical passive access scheme is proposed and verified by simulation, in which hybrid 64/16/4-quadrature amplitude modulation (64/16/4QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) optical signal is for downstream transmission and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) optical signal is for upstream transmission. In view of the transmitting and receiving process for downlink optical signal, in-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q) modulation based on Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) and homodyne coherent detection technology are employed, respectively. The simulation results show that the bit error ratio ( BER) less than hardware decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold is successfully obtained over transmission path with 20-km-long standard single mode fiber (SSMF) for hybrid downlink modulation OFDM optical signal. In addition, by dividing the system bandwidth into several subchannels consisting of some continuous subcarriers, it is convenient for users to select different channels depending on requirements of communication.
Secondary optics for Fresnel lens solar concentrators
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fu, Ling; Leutz, Ralf; Annen, Hans Philipp
2010-08-01
Secondary optics are used in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems with Fresnel lens primaries to increase the optical system efficiency by catching refracted light that otherwise would miss the receiver, better the tracking tolerance (acceptance half-angle) and enhance the flux uniformity on the cell. Several refractive secondary optics under the same Fresnel lens primary are designed, analyzed and compared based on their optical performances, materials, manufacturability, manufacturing tolerancing and cost. The goal of this work is to show the basic two different design approaches statistical mixing as opposed to deterministic mixing. Caustics are elementary in the deterministic tailoring approach. We find that statistical mixing offers higher flexibility for the solar application. It is also shown that there are conventional, i.e. designs based on conic section ("half-egg") that work well as solar secondaries. It is also made clear that primary and secondary must be designed as optical train.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1979-01-01
Optical interface losses between transmitter-to-fiber interface, connector-to-connector interface, and fiber-to-receiver interface were studied. System effects such as pulse dispersion, risetimes of the sources and detectors, type of fibers used, output power of the sources, and detector sensitivity were considered. Data bus systems such as TEE, Star, and Hybrid were analyzed. The matter of single fiber versus bundle technologies for future avionics systems was considered. The existing data bus system on Space Shuttle was examined and an optical analog was derived for a fiber bundle system, along with the associated power margin. System tests were performed on a feasibility model of a 9-port Star data bus system including BER, star losses, connector losses, etc. The same system was subjected to EMI between the range of 200 Hz to 10 GHz at 20V/m levels. A lightning test was also performed which simulated the conditions similar to those on Space Shuttle. The data bus system was found to be EMI and lightning hard. It is concluded that an optical data bus system is feasible for shuttle orbiter type vehicles.
Weak beacon detection for air-to-ground optical wireless link establishment.
Han, Yaoqiang; Dang, Anhong; Tang, Junxiong; Guo, Hong
2010-02-01
In an air-to-ground free-space optical communication system, strong background interference seriously affects the beacon detection, which makes it difficult to establish the optical link. In this paper, we propose a correlation beacon detection scheme under strong background interference conditions. As opposed to traditional beacon detection schemes, the beacon is modulated by an m-sequence at the transmitting terminal with a digital differential matched filter (DDMF) array introduced at the receiving end to detect the modulated beacon. This scheme is capable of suppressing both strong interference and noise by correlation reception of the received image sequence. In addition, the DDMF array enables each pixel of the image sensor to have its own DDMF of the same structure to process its received image sequence in parallel, thus it makes fast beacon detection possible. Theoretical analysis and an outdoor experiment have been demonstrated and show that the proposed scheme can realize fast and effective beacon detection under strong background interference conditions. Consequently, the required beacon transmission power can also be reduced dramatically.
Phase locked loop synchronization for direct detection optical PPM communication systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, C. C.; Gardner, C. S.
1985-01-01
Receiver timing synchronization of an optical pulse position modulation (PPM) communication system can be achieved using a phase locked loop (PLL) if the photodetector output is properly processed. The synchronization performance is shown to improve with increasing signal power and decreasing loop bandwidth. Bit error rate (BER) of the PLL synchronized PPM system is analyzed and compared to that for the perfectly synchronized system. It is shown that the increase in signal power needed to compensate for the imperfect synchronization is small (less than 0.1 dB) for loop bandwidths less than 0.1% of the slot frequency.
Secured Optical Communications Using Quantum Entangled Two-Photon Transparency Modulation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nguyen, Quang-Viet (Inventor); Kojima, Jun (Inventor); Lekki, John (Inventor)
2015-01-01
A system and method is disclosed wherein optical signals are coded in a transmitter by tuning or modulating the interbeam delay time (which modulates the fourth-order coherence) between pairs of entangled photons. The photon pairs are either absorbed or not absorbed (transparent) by an atomic or molecular fluorescer in a receiver, depending on the inter-beam delay that is introduced in the entangled photon pairs. Upon the absorption, corresponding fluorescent optical emissions follow at a certain wavelength, which are then detected by a photon detector. The advantage of the disclosed system is that it eliminates a need of a coincidence counter to realize the entanglement-based secure optical communications because the absorber acts as a coincidence counter for entangled photon pairs.
Optomechanical detection of weak microwave signals with the assistance of a plasmonic wave
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nejad, A. Asghari; Askari, H. R.; Baghshahi, H. R.
2018-05-01
Entanglement between optical fields and microwave signals can be used as a quantum optical sensing technique to detect received microwave signals from a low-reflecting object which is encompassed by a bright thermal environment. Here, we introduce and analyze an optomechanical system for detecting weak reflected microwave signals from an object of low reflectivity. In our system, coupling and consequently entanglement between microwave and optical photons are achieved by means of a plasmonic wave. The main problem that can be moderated in the field of quantum optical sensing of weak microwave signals is suppressing the destructive effect of high temperatures on the entanglement between microwave signals and optical photons. For this purpose, we will show that our system can perform at high temperatures as well as low ones. It will be shown that the presence of the plasmonic wave can reduce the destructive effect of the thermal noises on the entanglement between microwave and optical photons. Also, we will show that the optomechanical interaction is vital to create an appropriate entanglement between microwave and optical photons.
The simulation study on optical target laser active detection performance
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Ying-chun; Hou, Zhao-fei; Fan, Youchen
2014-12-01
According to the working principle of laser active detection system, the paper establishes the optical target laser active detection simulation system, carry out the simulation study on the detection process and detection performance of the system. For instance, the performance model such as the laser emitting, the laser propagation in the atmosphere, the reflection of optical target, the receiver detection system, the signal processing and recognition. We focus on the analysis and modeling the relationship between the laser emitting angle and defocus amount and "cat eye" effect echo laser in the reflection of optical target. Further, in the paper some performance index such as operating range, SNR and the probability of the system have been simulated. The parameters including laser emitting parameters, the reflection of the optical target and the laser propagation in the atmosphere which make a great influence on the performance of the optical target laser active detection system. Finally, using the object-oriented software design methods, the laser active detection system with the opening type, complete function and operating platform, realizes the process simulation that the detection system detect and recognize the optical target, complete the performance simulation of each subsystem, and generate the data report and the graph. It can make the laser active detection system performance models more intuitive because of the visible simulation process. The simulation data obtained from the system provide a reference to adjust the structure of the system parameters. And it provides theoretical and technical support for the top level design of the optical target laser active detection system and performance index optimization.
Optical image encryption by random shifting in fractional Fourier domains
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hennelly, B.; Sheridan, J. T.
2003-02-01
A number of methods have recently been proposed in the literature for the encryption of two-dimensional information by use of optical systems based on the fractional Fourier transform. Typically, these methods require random phase screen keys for decrypting the data, which must be stored at the receiver and must be carefully aligned with the received encrypted data. A new technique based on a random shifting, or jigsaw, algorithm is proposed. This method does not require the use of phase keys. The image is encrypted by juxtaposition of sections of the image in fractional Fourier domains. The new method has been compared with existing methods and shows comparable or superior robustness to blind decryption. Optical implementation is discussed, and the sensitivity of the various encryption keys to blind decryption is examined.
Q-factor improvement of degenerate four-wave-mixing regenerators for ASE degraded signals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lu, Hang; Wu, Bao-jian; Geng, Yong; Zhou, Xing-yu; Sun, Fan
2017-11-01
All-optical regenerators can be used to suppress amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise introduced by cascaded erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) in optical fiber communication systems and lead to the improvement of optical receiver sensitivity. By introducing the Q-factor transfer function (QTF), we evaluate the Q-factor performance of degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) regenerators with clock pump and reveal the differences between the optimal input powers determined from the static and dynamic power tranfer function (PTF) and the QTF curves. Our simulation shows that the clock-pump regnerator is capable of improving the Q-facor and receiver sensitivity for 40 Gbit/s ASE-degraded return-to-zero on-off keying (RZ-OOK) signal by 2.58 dB and 4.2 dB, respectively.
Low earth orbit durability evaluation of Haynes 188 solar receiver material
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
De Groh, Kim K.; Rutledge, Sharon K.; Burke, Christopher A.; Dever, Therese M.; Olle, Raymond M.; Terlep, Judith A.
1992-01-01
The effects of elevated-temperature vacuum and elevated-temperature atomic oxygen exposure on the mass, surface chemistry, surface morphology, and optical properties of Haynes 188, a possible heat receiver material for space-based solar dynamic power systems, have been studied. Pristine and surface modified Haynes 188 were exposed to vacuum less than or equal to 10 exp -6 torr at 820 C for 5215.5 h, and to atomic oxygen in an air plasma asher at 34 and 827 C for fluences up to 5.6 x 10 exp 21 atoms/sq cm. Results obtained indicate that vacuum heat treatment caused surface morphology and chemistry changes with corresponding optical property changes. Atomic oxygen exposure caused optical property changes which diminished with time. Mass changes are considered to be negligible for both exposures.
Method and system for fiber optic determination of gas concentrations in liquid receptacles
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nguyen, Quang-Viet (Inventor)
2008-01-01
A system for determining gas compositions includes a probe, inserted into a source of gaseous material, the probe having a gas permeable sensor tip and being capable of sending and receiving light to and from the gaseous material, a sensor body, connected to the probe, situated outside of the source and a fiber bundle, connected to the sensor body and communicating light to and from the probe. The system also includes a laser source, connected to one portion of the fiber bundle and providing laser light to the fiber bundle and the probe a Raman spectrograph, connected to another portion of the fiber bundle, receiving light from the probe and filtering the received light into specific channels and a data processing unit, receiving and analyzing the received light in the specific channels and outputting concentration of specific gas species in the gaseous material based on the analyzed received light.
Compact self-contained electrical-to-optical converter/transmitter
Seligmann, Daniel A.; Moss, William C.; Valk, Theodore C.; Conder, Alan D.
1995-01-01
A first optical receiver and a second optical receiver are provided for receiving a calibrate command and a power switching signal, respectively, from a remote processor. A third receiver is provided for receiving an analog electrical signal from a transducer. A calibrator generates a reference signal in response to the calibrate command. A combiner mixes the electrical signal with the reference signal to form a calibrated signal. A converter converts the calibrated signal to an optical signal. A transmitter transmits the optical signal to the remote processor. A primary battery supplies power to the calibrator, the combiner, the converter, and the transmitter. An optically-activated switch supplies power to the calibrator, the combiner, the converter, and the transmitter in response to the power switching signal. An auxiliary battery supplies power continuously to the switch.
Monolithic optoelectronic integrated broadband optical receiver with graphene photodetectors
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cheng, Chuantong; Huang, Beiju; Mao, Xurui; Zhang, Zanyun; Zhang, Zan; Geng, Zhaoxin; Xue, Ping; Chen, Hongda
2017-07-01
Optical receivers with potentially high operation bandwidth and low cost have received considerable interest due to rapidly growing data traffic and potential Tb/s optical interconnect requirements. Experimental realization of 65 GHz optical signal detection and 262 GHz intrinsic operation speed reveals the significance role of graphene photodetectors (PDs) in optical interconnect domains. In this work, a novel complementary metal oxide semiconductor post-backend process has been developed for integrating graphene PDs onto silicon integrated circuit chips. A prototype monolithic optoelectronic integrated optical receiver has been successfully demonstrated for the first time. Moreover, this is a firstly reported broadband optical receiver benefiting from natural broadband light absorption features of graphene material. This work is a perfect exhibition of the concept of monolithic optoelectronic integration and will pave way to monolithically integrated graphene optoelectronic devices with silicon ICs for three-dimensional optoelectronic integrated circuit chips.
Wang, Ping; Zhang, Lu; Guo, Lixin; Huang, Feng; Shang, Tao; Wang, Ranran; Yang, Yintang
2014-08-25
The average bit error rate (BER) for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation in free-space optical (FSO) links over turbulence atmosphere modeled by the exponentiated Weibull (EW) distribution is investigated in detail. The effects of aperture averaging on the average BERs for BPSK modulation under weak-to-strong turbulence conditions are studied. The average BERs of EW distribution are compared with Lognormal (LN) and Gamma-Gamma (GG) distributions in weak and strong turbulence atmosphere, respectively. The outage probability is also obtained for different turbulence strengths and receiver aperture sizes. The analytical results deduced by the generalized Gauss-Laguerre quadrature rule are verified by the Monte Carlo simulation. This work is helpful for the design of receivers for FSO communication systems.
System and method for optical fiber based image acquisition suitable for use in turbine engines
Baleine, Erwan; A V, Varun; Zombo, Paul J.; Varghese, Zubin
2017-05-16
A system and a method for image acquisition suitable for use in a turbine engine are disclosed. Light received from a field of view in an object plane is projected onto an image plane through an optical modulation device and is transferred through an image conduit to a sensor array. The sensor array generates a set of sampled image signals in a sensing basis based on light received from the image conduit. Finally, the sampled image signals are transformed from the sensing basis to a representation basis and a set of estimated image signals are generated therefrom. The estimated image signals are used for reconstructing an image and/or a motion-video of a region of interest within a turbine engine.
Optical fundamentals of an adaptive substance-on-surface chemical recognizer
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fauconier, Richard; Ndoye, Mandoye; Montlouis, Webert
2017-10-01
The objective is to identify the chemical composition of (isotropic and homogeneous) thin liquid and gel films on various surfaces by their infrared reflectance spectra. A bistatic optical sensing concept is proposed here in which a multi-wavelength laser source and a detector are physically displaced from each other. With the aid of the concept apparatus proposed, key optical variables can be measured in real time. The variables in question (substance thickness, refractive index, etc.) are those whose un-observability causes many types of monostatic sensor (in use today) to give ambiguous identifications. Knowledge of the aforementioned key optical variables would allow an adaptive signal-processing algorithm to make unambiguous identifications of the unknown chemicals by their infrared spectra, despite their variable presentations. The proposed bistatic sensor system consists of an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The whole system can be mounted on a stable platform. Both the optical transmitter subsystem and the optical receiver subsystem contain auxiliary sensors to determine their relative spatial positions and orientations. For each subsystem, these auxiliary sensors include an orientation sensor, and rotational sensors for absolute angular position. A profilometer-and-machine-vision subsystem is also included. An important aspect of determining the necessary optical variables is an aperture that limits the interrogatory beams to a coherent pair, rejecting those resulting from successive multiple reflections. A set of equations is developed to characterize the propagation of a coherent pair of frequency-modulated thin beams through the system. It is also shown that frequency modulation can produce easily measurable beat frequencies for determination of sample thicknesses on the order of microns to millimeters. Also shown is how the apparatus's polarization features allow it to measure the refractive index of any isotropic, homogeneous dielectric surface on which the unknown substance can sit. Concave, convex and flat supporting surfaces and menisci are discussed.
Dual FOV infrared lens design with the laser common aperture optics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chang, Wei-jun; Zhang, Xuan-zhi; Luan, Ya-dong; Zhang, Bo
2015-02-01
With the demand of autonomous precision guidance of air defense missile, the system scheme of the IR imaging/Ladar dual-mode seeker with a common aperture was proposed, and the optical system used in was designed. The system had a common receiving aperture, and its structure was very compact, so it could meet the requirement for the miniaturization of the seeker. Besides, it also could meet the demands of a wide field of view for searching target, and the demands for accurately recognizing and tracking the target at the same time. In order to increase the narrow FOV tracking performance, the dual FOV infrared optical used the zooming mode which some components flip in or out the optical system to firm the target signal. The dual FOV optics are divided into the zooming part, with dual variable focal length, and the reimaging part which was chosen in such a way to minimize the objective lens while maintaining 100% cold shield efficiency. The final infrared optics including 4°×3°(NFOV) and 16°×12°(WFOV) was designed. The NFOV lens composed of two common IR/Ladar lens, three relay lens, a beam splitter and two reflective fold mirrors, while WFOV lens increased two lens such as Germanium and Silicon. The common IR/Ladar lens ZnS and ZnSe could refractive the IR optics and Laser optics. The beam splitter which refractived IR optics and reflected Laser optics was located in the middle of Germanium and Silicon. The designed optical system had good image quality, and fulfilled the performance requirement of seeker system.
Optoelectronics research for communication programs at the Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Krainak, Michael A.
1991-01-01
Current optoelectronics research and development of high-power, high-bandwidth laser transmitters, high-bandwidth, high-sensitivity optical receivers, pointing, acquisition and tracking components, and experimental and theoretical system modeling at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is reviewed. Program hardware and space flight milestones are presented. It is believed that these experiments will pave the way for intersatellite optical communications links for both the NASA Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System and commercial users in the 21st century.
Laser-controlled optical transconductance varistor system
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nguyen, Hoang T.; Stuart, Brent C.
2017-07-11
An optical transconductance varistor system having a modulated radiation source configured to provide modulated stimulus, a wavelength converter operably connected to the modulated radiation source to produce a modulated stimulus having a predetermined wavelength, and a wide bandgap semiconductor photoconductive material in contact between two electrodes. The photoconductive material is operably coupled, such as by a beam transport module, to receive the modulated stimulus having the predetermined wavelength to control a current flowing through the photoconductive material when a voltage potential is present across the electrodes.
Science & Technology Review October 2007
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Chinn, D J
Livermore researchers won five R&D 100 awards in R&D Magazine's annual competition for the top 100 industrial innovations worldwide. This issue of Science & Technology Review highlights the award-winning technologies: noninvasive pneumothorax detector, microelectromechanical system-based adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope, large-area imager, hyper library of linear solvers, and continuous-phase-plate optics system manufactured using magnetorheological finishing. Since 1978, Laboratory researchers have received 118 R&D 100 awards. The R&D 100 logo (on the cover and p 1) is reprinted courtesy of R&D Magazine.
Liu, Chunbo; Chen, Jingqiu; Liu, Jiaxin; Han, Xiang'e
2018-04-16
To obtain a high imaging frame rate, a computational ghost imaging system scheme is proposed based on optical fiber phased array (OFPA). Through high-speed electro-optic modulators, the randomly modulated OFPA can provide much faster speckle projection, which can be precomputed according to the geometry of the fiber array and the known phases for modulation. Receiving the signal light with a low-pixel APD array can effectively decrease the requirement on sampling quantity and computation complexity owing to the reduced data dimensionality while avoiding the image aliasing due to the spatial periodicity of the speckles. The results of analysis and simulation show that the frame rate of the proposed imaging system can be significantly improved compared with traditional systems.
Experimental demonstration of an efficient hybrid equalizer for short-reach optical SSB systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhu, Mingyue; Ying, Hao; Zhang, Jing; Yi, Xingwen; Qiu, Kun
2018-02-01
We propose an efficient enhanced hybrid equalizer combining the feed forward equalization (FFE) with a modified Volterra filter to mitigate the linear and nonlinear interference for the short-reach optical single side-band (SSB) system. The optical SSB signal is generated by a relatively low-cost dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DDMZM). The two driving signals are a pair of Hilbert signals with Nyquist pulse-shaped four-level pulse amplitude modulation (NPAM-4). After the fiber transmission, the neighboring received symbols are strongly correlated due to the pulse spreading in time domain caused by the chromatic dispersion (CD). At the receiver equalization stage, the FFE followed by higher order terms of modified Volterra filter, which utilizes the forward and backward neighboring symbols to construct the kernels with strong correlation, are used as an enhanced hybrid equalizer to mitigate the inter symbol interference (ISI) and nonlinear distortion due to the interaction of the CD and the square-law detection. We experimentally demonstrate that the optical SSB NPAM-4 signal of 40 Gb/s transmitting over 80 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) with a bit-error-rate (BER) of 7 . 59 × 10-4.
Optical properties of micromachined polysilicon reflective surfaces with etching holes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zou, Jun; Byrne, Colin; Liu, Chang; Brady, David J.
1998-08-01
MUMPS (Multi-User MEMS Process) is receiving increasingly wide use in micro optics. We have investigated the optical properties of the polysilicon reflective surface in a typical MUMPS chip within the visible light spectrum. The effect of etching holes on the reflected laser beam is studied. The reflectivity and diffraction patterns at five different wavelengths have been measured. The optical properties of the polysilicon reflective surface are greatly affected by the surface roughness, the etching holes, as well as the material. The etching holes contribute to diffraction and reduction of reflectivity. This study provides a basis for optimal design of micromachined free-space optical systems.
Optical design and optimization of parabolic dish solar concentrator with a cavity hybrid receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Blázquez, R.; Carballo, J.; Silva, M.
2016-05-01
One of the main goals of the BIOSTIRLING-4SKA project, funded by the European Commission, is the development of a hybrid Dish-Stirling system based on a hybrid solar-gas receiver, which has been designed by the Swedish company Cleanergy. A ray tracing study, which is part of the design of this parabolic dish system, is presented in this paper. The study pursues the optimization of the concentrator and receiver cavity geometry according to the requirements of flux distribution on the receiver walls set by the designer of the hybrid receiver. The ray-tracing analysis has been performed with the open source software Tonatiuh, a ray-tracing tool specifically oriented to the modeling of solar concentrators.
Comparison of direct and heterodyne detection optical intersatellite communication links
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, C. C.; Gardner, C. S.
1987-01-01
The performance of direct and heterodyne detection optical intersatellite communication links are evaluated and compared. It is shown that the performance of optical links is very sensitive to the pointing and tracking errors at the transmitter and receiver. In the presence of random pointing and tracking errors, optimal antenna gains exist that will minimize the required transmitter power. In addition to limiting the antenna gains, random pointing and tracking errors also impose a power penalty in the link budget. This power penalty is between 1.6 to 3 dB for a direct detection QPPM link, and 3 to 5 dB for a heterodyne QFSK system. For the heterodyne systems, the carrier phase noise presents another major factor of performance degradation that must be considered. In contrast, the loss due to synchronization error is small. The link budgets for direct and heterodyne detection systems are evaluated. It is shown that, for systems with large pointing and tracking errors, the link budget is dominated by the spatial tracking error, and the direct detection system shows a superior performance because it is less sensitive to the spatial tracking error. On the other hand, for systems with small pointing and tracking jitters, the antenna gains are in general limited by the launch cost, and suboptimal antenna gains are often used in practice. In which case, the heterodyne system has a slightly higher power margin because of higher receiver sensitivity.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vilnrotter, Victor
2013-01-01
Recent interest in hybrid RF/Optical communications has led to the development and installation of a "polished-panel" optical receiver evaluation assembly on the 34-meter research antenna at Deep-Space Station 13 (DSS-13) at NASA's Goldstone Communications Complex. The test setup consists of a custom aluminum panel polished to optical smoothness, and a large-sensor CCD camera designed to image the point-spread function (PSF) generated by the polished aluminum panel. Extensive data has been obtained via realtime tracking and imaging of planets and stars at DSS-13. Both "on-source" and "off-source" data were recorded at various elevations, enabling the development of realistic simulations and analytic models to help determine the performance of future deep-space communications systems operating with on-off keying (OOK) or pulse-position-modulated (PPM) signaling formats with photon-counting detection, and compared with the ultimate quantum bound on detection performance for these modulations. Experimentally determined PSFs were scaled to provide realistic signal-distributions across a photon-counting detector array when a pulse is received, and uncoded as well as block-coded performance analyzed and evaluated for a well-known class of block codes.
A new instrument for measuring optical transmission in the atmosphere
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaurila, Timo A.
2007-04-01
It is an important task to measure optical transmission of the atmosphere when testing the performance of electro-optical systems such as thermal imagers. Only by knowing atmospheric transmission precisely enough, we will be able to eliminate effects of the atmosphere on test results. For this reason a new instrument that measures optical transmission in the atmosphere has been constructed. The transmissometer consists of a transmitter/receiver unit, a reflector and control software. The instrument measures atmospheric transmission at wavelength of 1 μm and 8-12 μm by comparing the intensity of the beam propagating through the atmosphere and the reference beam inside the transmitter/receiver unit. Calibration is carried out by the aid of a visibility meter and a special calibration algorithm. An important criterion for the design was to create an instrument which could be used flexibly in field measurements. The transmissometer was tested comprehensively in the field in March and June 2006. It can measure extinction coefficients up to 3 - 12 km -1 depending on the span between the transmitter/receiver unit and reflector with accuracy of 10 - 20 %. According to the test measurements the transmissometer also fulfills the other requirement specifications.
Modelling Time-of-Arrival Ambiguities in a Combined Acousto-Optic and Crystal Video Receiver
1995-11-01
The probability of pulses overlapping in time being received by a combined acousto - optic /crystal video receiver is investigated. Theoretical analysis...number of pulses in that bandwidth. The number of frequency subbands with crystal detectors required to cover the acousto - optic receiver bandwidth is therefore a compromise between cost and complexity of implementation.
Upconversion-based receivers for quantum hacking-resistant quantum key distribution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jain, Nitin; Kanter, Gregory S.
2016-07-01
We propose a novel upconversion (sum frequency generation)-based quantum-optical system design that can be employed as a receiver (Bob) in practical quantum key distribution systems. The pump governing the upconversion process is produced and utilized inside the physical receiver, making its access or control unrealistic for an external adversary (Eve). This pump facilitates several properties which permit Bob to define and control the modes that can participate in the quantum measurement. Furthermore, by manipulating and monitoring the characteristics of the pump pulses, Bob can detect a wide range of quantum hacking attacks launched by Eve.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dikmelik, Yamac
High-speed free-space optical communication systems have recently utilized components that have been developed for fiber-optic communication systems. The received laser beam in such a system must be coupled into a single-mode fiber at the input of a commercially available receiver module or a wavelength division demultiplexer. However, one effect of propagation through atmospheric turbulence is that the spatial coherence of a laser beam is degraded and the percentage of the available power that can be coupled into the single-mode fiber is limited. This dissertation presents a numerical evaluation of fiber coupling efficiency for laser light distorted by atmospheric turbulence. The results for weak fluctuation conditions provide the level of coupling efficiency that can be expected for a given turbulence strength. In addition, the results show that the link distance must be limited to 400 m under moderate turbulence conditions if the link budget requires a coupling efficiency of 0.1. We also investigate the use of a coherent fiber array as a receiver structure to improve the fiber coupling efficiency of a free-space optical communication system. Our numerical results show that a coherent fiber array that consists of seven subapertures would increase fiber coupling efficiency by a significant amount for representative turbulence conditions and link distances. The use of photo-emf detectors as elements of a wavefront sensor for an adaptive optics system is also considered as an alternative method of reducing the effects of turbulence on a free-space optical communication system. Dember and photo-emf currents are investigated in silicon photoconductive detectors both theoretically and experimentally. Our results show that Dember photocurrents dominate the response of high-purity silicon samples with top surface electrodes to a moving interference pattern. The use of surface electrodes leads to shadowed regions beneath the electrodes and Dember photocurrents appear under short circuit conditions. The dependence of the Dember photocurrent on the number and the position of the interference fringes between the electrodes is described by a single charge carrier model of the Dember effect under plane-wave illumination. The predicted Dember photocurrent is in good qualitative agreement with experimental results but the quantitative agreement is not very accurate. The latter can be improved by using a more complicated two-sign charge carrier model for the Dember photocurrent and by taking into account the Gaussian spatial profile of the illuminating beams. We also show theoretically that the photo-emf effect in silicon is weak compared to other semiconductors because of its relatively high intrinsic conductivity.
Dish concentrators for solar thermal energy - Status and technology development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jaffe, L. D.
1981-01-01
Comparisons are presented of point-focusing, or 'dish' solar concentrator system features, development status, and performance levels demonstrated to date. In addition to the requirements of good optical efficiency and high geometric concentration ratios, the most important future consideration in solar thermal energy dish concentrator design will be the reduction of installed and lifetime costs, as well as the materials and labor costs of production. It is determined that technology development initiatives are needed in such areas as optical materials, design wind speeds and wind loads, structural configuration and materials resistance to prolonged exposure, and the maintenance of optical surfaces. The testing of complete concentrator systems, with energy-converting receivers and controls, is also necessary. Both reflector and Fresnel lens concentrator systems are considered.
Optical system design of solar-blind UV target receiver with large FOV
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Yu; Huo, Furong; Zheng, Liqin
2014-11-01
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation of 200nm-300nm waveband from the sun is absorbed by atmosphere, which is often referred to the solar-blind region of the solar spectrum. Solar-blind characteristics of this waveband have important application value in forest-fire prevention, UV security communication, UV corona detection and other aspects. Especially in military fields such as missile warning, the application of solar-blind waveband has developed very rapidly, which is receiving more and more attention recently. In this paper, ZEMAX software is used to design an optical system of solar-blind UV target receiver with waveband 240nm-280nm, with which UV target signal can be detected. The optional materials are very few for UV optical systems to choose from, in which only CaF2 and JGS1 are commonly used. Various aberrations are not easy to be corrected. So it is very difficult to design a good UV system. Besides, doublet or triplet cannot be used in UV optical system considering possible cracking for different thermal expansion coefficients of different materials. So the doublet in initial structure is separated for this reason. During the optimization process, an aspheric surface is used to correct the aberrations. But this surface is removed before the design is finished to save production cost and enhance the precision of fabrication and test, which still keeps the image quality meeting the usage requirements. What we care for is the converging condition for different field of view from the far object on image plane. So this is an energy system. Spot diagram is taken as the evaluation criterion of image quality. The system is composed of 6 lenses with field of view (FOV) 31 degrees. In the final design results, the root mean square (RMS) radius for marginal FOV is less than 6.3 microns, while the value is only 4 microns for zero FOV. Point Spread Function and diffraction encircled energy diagram within the maximum FOV confirms the good performance of system further.
All-optical and broadband microwave fundamental/sub-harmonic I/Q down-converters.
Gao, Yongsheng; Wen, Aijun; Jiang, Wei; Fan, Yangyu; He, You
2018-03-19
Microwave I/Q down-converters are frequently used in image-reject super heterodyne receivers, zero intermediate frequency (zero-IF) receivers, and phase/frequency discriminators. However, due to the electronic bottleneck, conventional microwave I/Q mixers face a serious bandwidth limitation, I/Q imbalance, and even-order distortion. In this paper, photonic microwave fundamental and sub-harmonic I/Q down-converters are presented using a polarization division multiplexing dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (PDM-DPMZM). Thanks to all-optical manipulation, the proposed system features an ultra-wide operating band (7-40 GHz in the fundamental I/Q down-converter, and 10-40 GHz in the sub-harmonic I/Q down-converter) and an excellent I/Q balance (maximum 0.7 dB power imbalance and 1 degree phase imbalance). The conversion gain, noise figure (NF), even-order distortion, and spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) are also improved by LO power optimization and balanced detection. Using the proposed system, a high image rejection ratio is demonstrated for a super heterodyne receiver, and good EVMs over a wide RF power range is demonstrated for a zero-IF receiver. The proposed broadband photonic microwave fundamental and sub-harmonic I/Q down-converters may find potential applications in multi-band satellite, ultra-wideband radar and frequency-agile electronic warfare systems.
Optical multicast system for data center networks.
Samadi, Payman; Gupta, Varun; Xu, Junjie; Wang, Howard; Zussman, Gil; Bergman, Keren
2015-08-24
We present the design and experimental evaluation of an Optical Multicast System for Data Center Networks, a hardware-software system architecture that uniquely integrates passive optical splitters in a hybrid network architecture for faster and simpler delivery of multicast traffic flows. An application-driven control plane manages the integrated optical and electronic switched traffic routing in the data plane layer. The control plane includes a resource allocation algorithm to optimally assign optical splitters to the flows. The hardware architecture is built on a hybrid network with both Electronic Packet Switching (EPS) and Optical Circuit Switching (OCS) networks to aggregate Top-of-Rack switches. The OCS is also the connectivity substrate of splitters to the optical network. The optical multicast system implementation requires only commodity optical components. We built a prototype and developed a simulation environment to evaluate the performance of the system for bulk multicasting. Experimental and numerical results show simultaneous delivery of multicast flows to all receivers with steady throughput. Compared to IP multicast that is the electronic counterpart, optical multicast performs with less protocol complexity and reduced energy consumption. Compared to peer-to-peer multicast methods, it achieves at minimum an order of magnitude higher throughput for flows under 250 MB with significantly less connection overheads. Furthermore, for delivering 20 TB of data containing only 15% multicast flows, it reduces the total delivery energy consumption by 50% and improves latency by 55% compared to a data center with a sole non-blocking EPS network.
Compact self-contained electrical-to-optical converter/transmitter
Seligmann, D.A.; Moss, W.C.; Valk, T.C.; Conder, A.D.
1995-11-21
A first optical receiver and a second optical receiver are provided for receiving a calibrate command and a power switching signal, respectively, from a remote processor. A third receiver is provided for receiving an analog electrical signal from a transducer. A calibrator generates a reference signal in response to the calibrate command. A combiner mixes the electrical signal with the reference signal to form a calibrated signal. A converter converts the calibrated signal to an optical signal. A transmitter transmits the optical signal to the remote processor. A primary battery supplies power to the calibrator, the combiner, the converter, and the transmitter. An optically-activated switch supplies power to the calibrator, the combiner, the converter, and the transmitter in response to the power switching signal. An auxiliary battery supplies power continuously to the switch. 13 figs.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bi, Weihong; Lin, Hang; Fu, Xinghu; Fu, Guangwei
2013-12-01
Fiber amplifiers such as Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) played a key role in developing long-haul transmission system and have been an important element for enabling the development of optical communication system. EDFA amplifies the optical signal directly, without the optical-electric-optical switch and has the advantages such as high gain, broad band, low noise figure. It is widely used in repeaterless submarine system, smart grid and community antenna television system. This article describe the application of optical-fiber amplifiers in distributed optical fiber sensing system, focusing on erbium-doped fiber preamplifiers in modern transmission optical systems. To enhance the measurement range of a spontaneous Brillouin intensity based distributed fiber optical sensor and improve the receiver sensitivity, a two cascaded EDFAs C-band preamplifier with an optical bridge structure is proposed in this paper. The first cascaded EDFA is consisted of a length of 4.3m erbium-doped fiber and pumped in a forward pump light using a laser operating at 975nm. The second one made by using a length of 16m erbium-doped fiber is pumped in a forward pump light which is the remnant pump light of the first cascaded EDFA. At the preamplifier output, DWDM, centered at the signal wavelength, is used to suppress unwanted amplified spontaneous emission. The experimental results show that the two cascade preamplifier with a bridge structure can be used to amplify for input Brillouin backscattering light greater than about -43dBm. The optical gain is characterized and more than 26dB is obtained at 1549.50nm with 300mW pump power.
Smart photodetector arrays for error control in page-oriented optical memory
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schaffer, Maureen Elizabeth
1998-12-01
Page-oriented optical memories (POMs) have been proposed to meet high speed, high capacity storage requirements for input/output intensive computer applications. This technology offers the capability for storage and retrieval of optical data in two-dimensional pages resulting in high throughput data rates. Since currently measured raw bit error rates for these systems fall several orders of magnitude short of industry requirements for binary data storage, powerful error control codes must be adopted. These codes must be designed to take advantage of the two-dimensional memory output. In addition, POMs require an optoelectronic interface to transfer the optical data pages to one or more electronic host systems. Conventional charge coupled device (CCD) arrays can receive optical data in parallel, but the relatively slow serial electronic output of these devices creates a system bottleneck thereby eliminating the POM advantage of high transfer rates. Also, CCD arrays are "unintelligent" interfaces in that they offer little data processing capabilities. The optical data page can be received by two-dimensional arrays of "smart" photo-detector elements that replace conventional CCD arrays. These smart photodetector arrays (SPAs) can perform fast parallel data decoding and error control, thereby providing an efficient optoelectronic interface between the memory and the electronic computer. This approach optimizes the computer memory system by combining the massive parallelism and high speed of optics with the diverse functionality, low cost, and local interconnection efficiency of electronics. In this dissertation we examine the design of smart photodetector arrays for use as the optoelectronic interface for page-oriented optical memory. We review options and technologies for SPA fabrication, develop SPA requirements, and determine SPA scalability constraints with respect to pixel complexity, electrical power dissipation, and optical power limits. Next, we examine data modulation and error correction coding for the purpose of error control in the POM system. These techniques are adapted, where possible, for 2D data and evaluated as to their suitability for a SPA implementation in terms of BER, code rate, decoder time and pixel complexity. Our analysis shows that differential data modulation combined with relatively simple block codes known as array codes provide a powerful means to achieve the desired data transfer rates while reducing error rates to industry requirements. Finally, we demonstrate the first smart photodetector array designed to perform parallel error correction on an entire page of data and satisfy the sustained data rates of page-oriented optical memories. Our implementation integrates a monolithic PN photodiode array and differential input receiver for optoelectronic signal conversion with a cluster error correction code using 0.35-mum CMOS. This approach provides high sensitivity, low electrical power dissipation, and fast parallel correction of 2 x 2-bit cluster errors in an 8 x 8 bit code block to achieve corrected output data rates scalable to 102 Gbps in the current technology increasing to 1.88 Tbps in 0.1-mum CMOS.
A note on deep space optical communication link parameters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dolinar, S. J.; Yuen, J. H.
1982-01-01
Topical communication in the context of a deep space communication link. Communication link analysis at the optical frequencies differs significantly from that at microwave frequencies such as the traditional S and X-bands used in deep space applications, due to the different technology of transmitter, antenna, modulators, and receivers. In addition, the important role of quantum noise in limiting system performance is quite different than that of thermal noise. The optical link design is put in a design control table format similar to a microwave telecom link design. Key considerations unique to the optical link are discussed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Juday, Richard D. (Inventor)
1998-01-01
An apparatus is disclosed for reading and/or writing information or to from an optical recording medium having a plurality of information storage layers. The apparatus includes a dynamic holographic optical element configured to focus light on the optical recording medium. a control circuit arranged to supply a drive signal to the holographic optical element, and a storage device in communication with the control circuit and storing at least a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The holographic optical element focusses light on a first one of the plurality of information storage layers when driven by the first drive signal on a second one of the plurality of information storage layers when driven by the second drive signal. An optical switch is also disclosed for connecting at least one light source in a source array to at least one light receiver in a receiver array. The switch includes a dynamic holographic optical element configured to receive light from the source array and to transmit light to the receiver array, a control circuit arranged to supply a drive signal to the holographic optical element, and a storage device in communication with the control circuit and storing at least a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The holographic optical element connects a first light source in the source array to a first light receiver in the receiver array when driven by the first drive signal and the holographic optical element connects the first light source with the first light receiver and a second light receiver when driven by the second drive signal.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nagasaki, Takeo; Tajima, Osamu; Araki, Kentaro; Ishimoto, Hiroshi
2016-07-01
We propose a novel ground-based meteorological monitoring system. In the 20{30 GHz band, our system simultaneously measures a broad absorption peak of water vapor and cloud liquid water. Additional observation in the 50{60 GHz band obtains the radiation of oxygen. Spectral results contain vertical profiles of the physical temperature of atmospheric molecules. We designed a simple method for placing the system atop high buildings and mountains and on decks of ships. There is a simple optical system in front of horn antennas for each frequency band. A focused signal from a reflector is separated into two polarized optical paths by a wire grid. Each signal received by the horn antenna is amplified by low-noise amplifiers. Spectra of each signal are measured as a function of frequency using two analyzers. A blackbody calibration source is maintained at 50 K in a cryostat. The calibration signal is led to each receiver via the wire grid. The input path of the signal is selected by rotation of the wire grid by 90°, because the polarization axis of the reflected path and axis of the transparent path are orthogonal. We developed a prototype receiver and demonstrated its performance using monitoring at the zenith.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jiang, Shan; Liu, Shuihua
2004-04-01
Current optical communication systems are more and more relying on the advanced opto-electronic components. A series of revolutionary optical and optoelectronics components technology accounts for the fast progress and field deployment of high-capacity telecommunication and data-transmission systems. Since 1990s, the optical communication industry in China entered a high-speed development period and its wide deployment had already established the solid base for China information infrastructure. In this presentation, the main progress of optoelectronics components and technology in China are reviewed, which includes semiconductor laser diode/photo receiver, fiber optical amplifier, DWDM multiplexer/de-multiplexer, dispersion compensation components and all optical network node components, such as optical switch, OADM, tunable optical filters and variable optical attenuators, etc. Integration discrete components into monolithic/hybrid platform component is an inevitable choice for the consideration of performance, mass production and cost reduction. The current status and the future trends of OEIC and PIC components technology in China will also be discuss mainly on the monolithic integration DFB LD + EA modulator, and planar light-wave circuit (PLC) technology, etc.
Receiver Architecture for 12.5 Gb/s 16-ary Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) Signaling
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mendez, A J; Gagliardi, R M; Hernandez, V J
2008-07-11
PPM is a signaling scheme that enables the transmission of multiple bits per symbol [1]. It has found favor in the regime of free space optical communications ('FSO' or 'Lasercom'); however, PPM has yet to be widely applied to fiber optic-based communications. Its limitation in fiber results from the exceedingly high bandwidth requirements needed to electronically process a directly detected pulse, especially as the symbol rate increases and the pulse width correspondingly decreases. As a solution, we introduced the concept of a virtual quadrant receiver for receiving 1.25 Gb/s 4-ary PPM, where photonic processing reduced the number of required electronicmore » components [2]. In this paper, we extend these photonic process techniques to a 16-ary, 12.5 Gb/s (10 Gb/s plus 8B/10B line coding) PPM communications system for fiber optic avionics, wherein much of the receiver processing is enabled by techniques based on planar lightwave circuits (PLCs). The architecture is applicable to higher input data rates and M-ary PPM. In the following, we present the PPM encoding and decoding architectures and numerically simulated results.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Korotaev, Valery V.; Denisov, Victor M.; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.; Serikova, Mariya G.; Timofeev, Andrey V.
2015-05-01
The paper deals with the creation of integrated monitoring systems. They combine fiber-optic classifiers and local sensor networks. These systems allow for the monitoring of complex industrial objects. Together with adjacent natural objects, they form the so-called geotechnical systems. An integrated monitoring system may include one or more spatially continuous fiber-optic classifiers based on optic fiber and one or more arrays of discrete measurement sensors, which are usually combined in sensor networks. Fiber-optic classifiers are already widely used for the control of hazardous extended objects (oil and gas pipelines, railways, high-rise buildings, etc.). To monitor local objects, discrete measurement sensors are generally used (temperature, pressure, inclinometers, strain gauges, accelerometers, sensors measuring the composition of impurities in the air, and many others). However, monitoring complex geotechnical systems require a simultaneous use of continuous spatially distributed sensors based on fiber-optic cable and connected local discrete sensors networks. In fact, we are talking about integration of the two monitoring methods. This combination provides an additional way to create intelligent monitoring systems. Modes of operation of intelligent systems can automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions. For this purpose, context data received from one sensor (e.g., optical channel) may be used to change modes of work of other sensors within the same monitoring system. This work also presents experimental results of the prototype of the integrated monitoring system.
Ren, Yongxiong; Huang, Hao; Xie, Guodong; Ahmed, Nisar; Yan, Yan; Erkmen, Baris I; Chandrasekaran, Nivedita; Lavery, Martin P J; Steinhoff, Nicholas K; Tur, Moshe; Dolinar, Samuel; Neifeld, Mark; Padgett, Miles J; Boyd, Robert W; Shapiro, Jeffrey H; Willner, Alan E
2013-10-15
We experimentally investigate the performance of an orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexed free space optical (FSO) communication link through emulated atmospheric turbulence. The turbulence effects on the crosstalk and system power penalty of the FSO link are characterized. The experimental results show that the power of the transmitted OAM mode will tend to spread uniformly onto the neighboring mode in medium-to-strong turbulence, resulting in severe crosstalk at the receiver. The power penalty is found to exceed 10 dB in a weak-to-medium turbulence condition due to the turbulence-induced crosstalk and power fluctuation of the received signal.
Geomembrane barriers using integral fiber optics to monitor barrier integrity
Staller, G.E.; Wemple, R.P.
1996-10-22
This invention provides a geomembrane or geotextile with embedded optical sensors that are used to monitor the status of containment site barriers. Fiber optic strands are used to form the sensors that can detect and monitor conditions at the sites such as breaches, slope creep, subsidence, leachate levels, fires, and types of materials present or leaking from the site. The strands are integral to the membrane or textile materials. The geosynthetic membrane is deployed at the site in a fashion similar to carpet laying. Edges of the membrane or textile are joined to form a liner and the ends of the membrane or textile become the connection zones for obtaining signals from the sensors. A connection interface with a control system to generate Optical Time Delay Response or other light signals for transmission to the optic fiber strands or sensors and also to receive reflected signals from the sensors is included in the system. Software to interpret the sensor signals can be used in the geosynthetic monitoring system. 6 figs.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Qian, Feng-chen; Ye, Ya-lin; Wen, Yu; Duan, Tao; Feng, Huan
2015-10-01
A 20Gb/s polarization-insensitive all-optical wavelength switching system for high-speed free-space optical communication (FSO) network is experimentally demonstrated All-optical wavelength conversion (AOWC) is implemented using four-wave mixing (FWM) by highly-nonlinear fiber (HNLF). In the experimental setup, a simple actively mode-locked fiber ring laser (AML-FRL) with repetition frequency from 1 to 15 GHz is used to generate eight 2.5Gb/s tributary signals, which are multiplexed into one 20Gb/s optical data stream. At the receiver, the 20 Gb/s OTDM data stream is demultiplexed down to 2.5 Gb/s via a polarization-insensitive FWM scheme. The whole space communication distance is over 10 meters in building hallway. The experimental results show that this system can stably run over 24 hours at 10-9 BER level, thus the proposed architecture can work at higher rate with wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and high order modulation schemes.
Geomembrane barriers using integral fiber optics to monitor barrier integrity
Staller, George E.; Wemple, Robert P.
1996-01-01
This invention provides a geomembrane or geotextile with embedded optical sensors that are used to monitor the status of containment site barriers. Fiber optic strands are used to form the sensors that can detect and monitor conditions at the sites such as breaches, slope creep, subsidence, leachate levels, fires, and types of materials present or leaking from the site. The strands are integral to the membrane or textile materials. The geosythetic membrane is deployed at the site in a fashion similar to carpet laying. Edges of the membrane or textile are joined to form a liner and the ends of the membrane or textile become the connection zones for obtaining signals from the sensors. A connection interface with a control system to generate Optical Time Delay Response or other light signals for transmission to the optic fiber strands or sensors and also to receive reflected signals from the sensors is included in the system. Software to interpret the sensor signals can be used in the geosythetic monitoring system.
Performance investigation of optical multicast overlay system using orthogonal modulation format
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Singh, Simranjit; Singh, Sukhbir; Kaur, Ramandeep; Kaler, R. S.
2015-03-01
We proposed a bandwidth efficient wavelength division multiplexed-passive optical network (WDM-PON) to simultaneously transmit 60 Gb/s unicast and 10 Gb/s multicast services with 10 Gb/s upstream. The differential phase shift keying (DPSK) multicast signal is superimposed onto multiplexed non-return to zero/polarization shift keying (NRZ/PolSK) orthogonal modulated data signals. Upstream amplitude shift keying (ASK) signals formed without use of any additional light source and superimposed onto received unicast NRZ/PolSK signal before being transmitted back to optical line terminal (OLT). We also investigated the proposed WDM-PON system for variable optical input power, transmission distance of single mode fiber in multicast enable and disable mode. The measured Quality factor for all unicast and multicast signal is in acceptable range (>6). The original contribution of this paper is to propose a bandwidth efficient WDM-PON system that could be projected even in high speed scenario at reduced channel spacing and expected to be more technical viable due to use of optical orthogonal modulation formats.
Optics design for J-TEXT ECE imaging with field curvature adjustment lens.
Zhu, Y; Zhao, Z; Liu, W D; Xie, J; Hu, X; Muscatello, C M; Domier, C W; Luhmann, N C; Chen, M; Ren, X; Tobias, B J; Zhuang, G; Yang, Z
2014-11-01
Significant progress has been made in the imaging and visualization of magnetohydrodynamic and microturbulence phenomena in magnetic fusion plasmas. Of particular importance has been microwave electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) for imaging Te fluctuations. Key to the success of ECEI is a large Gaussian optics system constituting a major portion of the focusing of the microwave radiation from the plasma to the detector array. Both the spatial resolution and observation range are dependent upon the imaging optics system performance. In particular, it is critical that the field curvature on the image plane is reduced to decrease crosstalk between vertical channels. The receiver optics systems for two ECEI on the J-TEXT device have been designed to ameliorate these problems and provide good performance with additional field curvature adjustment lenses with a meniscus shape to correct the aberrations from several spherical surfaces.
An Array of Optical Receivers for Deep-Space Communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vilnrotter, Chi-Wung; Srinivasan, Meera; Andrews, Kenneth
2007-01-01
An array of small optical receivers is proposed as an alternative to a single large optical receiver for high-data-rate communications in NASA s Deep Space Network (DSN). Because the telescope for a single receiver capable of satisfying DSN requirements must be greater than 10 m in diameter, the design, building, and testing of the telescope would be very difficult and expensive. The proposed array would utilize commercially available telescopes of 1-m or smaller diameter and, therefore, could be developed and verified with considerably less difficulty and expense. The essential difference between a single-aperture optical-communications receiver and an optical-array receiver is that a single-aperture receiver focuses all of the light energy it collects onto the surface of an optical detector, whereas an array receiver focuses portions of the total collected energy onto separate detectors, optically detects each fractional energy component, then combines the electrical signal from the array of detector outputs to form the observable, or "decision statistic," used to decode the transmitted data. A conceptual block diagram identifying the key components of the optical-array receiver suitable for deep-space telemetry reception is shown in the figure. The most conspicuous feature of the receiver is the large number of small- to medium-size telescopes, with individual apertures and number of telescopes selected to make up the desired total collecting area. This array of telescopes is envisioned to be fully computer- controlled via the user interface and prediction-driven to achieve rough pointing and tracking of the desired spacecraft. Fine-pointing and tracking functions then take over to keep each telescope pointed toward the source, despite imperfect pointing predictions, telescope-drive errors, and vibration caused by wind.
Design and Demonstration of a Miniature Lidar System for Rover Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Robinson, Benjamin
2010-01-01
A basic small and portable lidar system for rover applications has been designed. It uses a 20 Hz Nd:YAG pulsed laser, a 4-inch diameter telescope receiver, a custom-built power distribution unit (PDU), and a custom-built 532 nm photomultiplier tube (PMT) to measure the lidar signal. The receiving optics have been designed, but not constructed yet. LabVIEW and MATLAB programs have also been written to control the system, acquire data, and analyze data. The proposed system design, along with some measurements, is described. Future work to be completed is also discussed.
Embodiment of Learning in Electro-Optical Signal Processors
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hermans, Michiel; Antonik, Piotr; Haelterman, Marc; Massar, Serge
2016-09-01
Delay-coupled electro-optical systems have received much attention for their dynamical properties and their potential use in signal processing. In particular, it has recently been demonstrated, using the artificial intelligence algorithm known as reservoir computing, that photonic implementations of such systems solve complex tasks such as speech recognition. Here, we show how the backpropagation algorithm can be physically implemented on the same electro-optical delay-coupled architecture used for computation with only minor changes to the original design. We find that, compared to when the backpropagation algorithm is not used, the error rate of the resulting computing device, evaluated on three benchmark tasks, decreases considerably. This demonstrates that electro-optical analog computers can embody a large part of their own training process, allowing them to be applied to new, more difficult tasks.
Embodiment of Learning in Electro-Optical Signal Processors.
Hermans, Michiel; Antonik, Piotr; Haelterman, Marc; Massar, Serge
2016-09-16
Delay-coupled electro-optical systems have received much attention for their dynamical properties and their potential use in signal processing. In particular, it has recently been demonstrated, using the artificial intelligence algorithm known as reservoir computing, that photonic implementations of such systems solve complex tasks such as speech recognition. Here, we show how the backpropagation algorithm can be physically implemented on the same electro-optical delay-coupled architecture used for computation with only minor changes to the original design. We find that, compared to when the backpropagation algorithm is not used, the error rate of the resulting computing device, evaluated on three benchmark tasks, decreases considerably. This demonstrates that electro-optical analog computers can embody a large part of their own training process, allowing them to be applied to new, more difficult tasks.
Solar system for exploitation of the whole collected energy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ciamberlini, C.; Francini, F.; Longobardi, G.; Piattelli, M.; Sansoni, P.
2003-09-01
An innovative architecture for the exploitation of the whole collected solar energy is described. A sun pointing optical concentrator focuses the received energy, containing the part of the required solar spectrum, in a low loss optical fibre transmission line. The optical panel is small in size and able to follow the sun in order to collect the maximum of its energy. The support is flat, 5 mm thick and includes four optical concentrators. The efficiency of the optical system depends on the optical configuration and on the material utilised for the optical components. Single commercial connector to the fixed fibres connects the fibre optics' four free ends. The energy is therefore properly transported to any user's end with an easy installation. The system was experimented for lightening, during the day, dissipated in a dark load in order to produce heat in some equipment and for photovoltaic applications. The total efficiency of the system was between 68% and 72%. Once the solar energy reaches the end of the transmission line, it can be addressed to the required utilisation by means of an optical switch, which redirects the sunlight towards the desired applicator. This procedure allows utilising the 100% of the sun-collected energy. Since the size of the panel was small, it can be placed, on the roof, on the garden, on the window-sill, on the field and on all sides exposed to sunlight.
Integrated Fiber-Optic Light Probe: Measurement of Static Deflections in Rotating Turbomachinery
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kurkov, Anatole P.
1998-01-01
At the NASA Lewis Research Center, in cooperation with Integrated Fiber Optic Systems, Inc., an integrated fiber-optic light probe system was designed, fabricated, and tested for monitoring blade tip deflections, vibrations, and to some extent, changes in the blade tip clearances of a turbomachinery fan or a compressor rotor. The system comprises a set of integrated fiber-optic light probes that are positioned to detect the passing blade tip at the leading and trailing edges. In this configuration, measurements of both nonsynchronous blade vibrations and steady-state blade deflections can be made from the timing information provided by each light probe-consisting of an integrated fiber-optic transmitting channel and numerical aperture receiving fibers, all mounted in the same cylindrical housing. With integrated fiber-optic technology, a spatial resolution of 50 mm is possible while the outer diameter is kept below 2.5 mm. To evaluate these probes, we took measurements in a single-stage compressor facility and an advanced fan rig in Lewis' 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel.
Ultra-Wideband Optical Modulation Spectrometer (OMS) Development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gardner, Jonathan (Technical Monitor); Tolls, Volker
2004-01-01
The optical modulation spectrometer (OMS) is a novel, highly efficient, low mass backend for heterodyne receiver systems. Current and future heterodyne receiver systems operating at frequencies up to a few THz require broadband spectrometer backends to achieve spectral resolutions of R approximately 10(exp 5) to 10(exp 6) to carry out many important astronomical investigations. Among these are observations of broad emission and absorption lines from extra-galactic objects at high redshifts, spectral line surveys, and observations of planetary atmospheres. Many of these lines are pressure or velocity broadened with either large half-widths or line wings extending over several GHz. Current backend systems can cover the needed bandwidth only by combining the output of several spectrometers, each with typically up to 1 GHz bandwidth, or by combining several frequency-shifted spectra taken with a single spectrometer. An ultra-wideband optical modulation spectrometer with 10 - 40 GHz bandwidth will enable broadband ob- servations without the limitations and disadvantages of hybrid spectrometers. Spectrometers like the OMS will be important for both ground-based observatories and future space missions like the Single Aperture Far-Infrared Telescope (SAFIR) which might carry IR/submm array heterodyne receiver systems requiring a spectrometer for each array pixel. Small size, low mass and small power consumption are extremely important for space missions. This report summarizes the specifications developed for the OMS and lists already identified commercial parts. The report starts with a review of the principle of operation, then describes the most important components and their specifications which were derived from theory, and finishes with a conclusion and outlook.
Smart pillow for heart-rate monitoring using a fiber optic sensor
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Zhihao; Teo, Ju Teng; Ng, Soon Huat; Yim, Huiqing
2011-03-01
In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a new method to monitor heart rate using fiber optic microbending based sensor for in-bed non-intrusive monitoring. The sensing system consists of transmitter, receiver, sensor mat, National Instrument (NI) data acquisition (DAQ) card and a computer for signal processing. The sensor mat is embedded inside a commercial pillow. The heart rate measurement system shows an accuracy of +/-2 beats, which has been successfully demonstrated in a field trial. The key technological advantage of our system is its ability to measure heart rate with no preparation and minimal compliance by the patient.
MOEMS Modeling Using the Geometrical Matrix Toolbox
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wilson, William C.; Atkinson, Gary M.
2005-01-01
New technologies such as MicroOptoElectro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) require new modeling tools. These tools must simultaneously model the optical, electrical, and mechanical domains and the interactions between these domains. To facilitate rapid prototyping of these new technologies an optical toolbox has been developed for modeling MOEMS devices. The toolbox models are constructed using MATLAB's dynamical simulator, Simulink. Modeling toolboxes will allow users to focus their efforts on system design and analysis as opposed to developing component models. This toolbox was developed to facilitate rapid modeling and design of a MOEMS based laser ultrasonic receiver system.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Alsevska, A.; Dilendorfs, V.; Spolitis, S.; Bobrovs, Vj.
2017-12-01
In the paper, the authors compare efficiency of two physical dispersion compensation methods for single channel and 8-channel WDM fibre-optical transmission systems using return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) line codes for operation within optical C-band frequencies by means of computer simulations. As one of the most important destructive effects in fibre optical transmission systems (FOTS) is chromatic dispersion (CD), it is very important to reduce its negative effect on a transmitted signal. Dispersion compensation methods that were implemented in the research were dispersion compensating fibre (DCF) and fibre Bragg grating (FBG). The main goal of the paper was to find out which dispersion compensation method (DCF or FBG) provided the highest performance increase for fibre-optical transmission system and provided the longest transmission distance after dispersion compensation was implemented at different locations in the fibre-optical line while RZ or NRZ line codes were used. In the paper the reference point of signal quality for all measurements, which were obtained at the receiver, was BER<10-12.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lukaczyk, T.
2015-12-01
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are now being used for monitoring climate change over both land and seas. Their uses include monitoring of cloud conditions and atmospheric composition of chemicals and aerosols due to pollution, dust storms, fires, volcanic activity and air-sea fluxes. Additional studies of carbon flux are important for various ecosystem studies of both marine and terrestrial environments specifically, and can be related to climate change dynamics. Many measurements are becoming more complex as additional sensors become small enough to operate on more widely available small UAS. These include interferometric radars as well as scanning and fan-beam lidar systems which produce data streams even greater than those of high resolution video. These can be used to precisely map surfaces of the earth, ocean or ice features that are important for a variety of earth system studies. As these additional sensor capabilities are added to UAS the ability to transmit data back to ground or ship monitoring sites is limited by traditional wireless communication protocols. We describe results of tests of optical communication systems that provide significantly greater communication bandwidths for UAS, and discuss both the bandwidth and effective range of these systems, as well as their power and weight requirements both for systems on UAS, as well as those of ground-based receiver stations. We justify our additional use of Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) communication protocols with optical communication methods to ensure security and continuity of command and control operations. Finally, we discuss the implications for receiving, geo-referencing, archiving and displaying data streams from sensors communicated via optical communication to better enable real-time anomaly detection and adaptive sampling capabilities using multiple UAS or other unmanned or manned systems.
The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline at FERMI: optical layout and first commissioning.
Svetina, Cristian; Grazioli, Cesare; Mahne, Nicola; Raimondi, Lorenzo; Fava, Claudio; Zangrando, Marco; Gerusina, Simone; Alagia, Michele; Avaldi, Lorenzo; Cautero, Giuseppe; de Simone, Monica; Devetta, Michele; Di Fraia, Michele; Drabbels, Marcel; Feyer, Vitaliy; Finetti, Paola; Katzy, Raphael; Kivimäki, Antti; Lyamayev, Viktor; Mazza, Tommaso; Moise, Angelica; Möller, Thomas; O'Keeffe, Patrick; Ovcharenko, Yevheniy; Piseri, Paolo; Plekan, Oksana; Prince, Kevin C; Sergo, Rudi; Stienkemeier, Frank; Stranges, Stefano; Coreno, Marcello; Callegari, Carlo
2015-05-01
The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline has been built as part of the FERMI free-electron laser (FEL) facility to serve the atomic, molecular and cluster physics community. After the commissioning phase, it received the first external users at the end of 2012. The design and characterization of the LDM photon transport system is described, detailing the optical components of the beamline.
Harsh environment fiber optic connectors/testing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Parker, Douglas A.
2014-09-01
Fiber optic systems are used frequently in military, aerospace and commercial aviation programs. There is a long history of implementing fiber optic data transfer for aircraft control, for harsh environment use in local area networks and more recently for in-flight entertainment systems. The advantages of fiber optics include high data rate capacity, low weight, immunity to EMI/RFI, and security from signal tapping. Technicians must be trained particularly to install and maintain fiber systems, but it is not necessarily more difficult than wire systems. However, the testing of the fiber optic interconnection system must be conducted in a standardized manner to assure proper performance. Testing can be conducted with slight differences in the set-up and procedure that produce significantly different test results. This paper reviews various options of interconnect configurations and discusses how these options can affect the performance, maintenance required and longevity of a fiber optic system, depending on the environment. Proper test methods are discussed. There is a review of the essentials of proper fiber optic testing and impact of changing such test parameters as input launch conditions, wavelength considerations, power meter options and the basic methods of testing. This becomes important right from the start when the supplier test data differs from the user's data check upon receiving the product. It also is important in periodic testing. Properly conducting the fiber optic testing will eliminate confusion and produce meaningful test results for a given harsh environment application.
Performance analysis of a coherent free space optical communication system based on experiment.
Cao, Jingtai; Zhao, Xiaohui; Liu, Wei; Gu, Haijun
2017-06-26
Based on our previous study and designed experimental AO system with a 97-element continuous surface deformable mirror, we conduct the performance analysis of a coherent free space optical communication (FSOC) system for mixing efficiency (ME), bit error rate (BER) and outage probability under different Greenwood frequency and atmospheric coherent length. The results show that the influence of the atmospheric temporal characteristics on the performance is slightly stronger than that of the spatial characteristics when the receiving aperture and the number of sub-apertures are given. This analysis result provides a reference for the design of the coherent FSOC system.
Variable-rate optical communication through the turbulent atmosphere. Ph.D. Thesis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Levitt, B. K.
1971-01-01
It was demonstrated that the data transmitter can extract real time, channel state information by processing the field received when a pilot tone is sent from the data receiver to the data transmitter. Based on these channel measurements, optimal variable rate techniques were derived and significant improvements in system perforamnce were obtained, particularly at low bit error rates.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shen, Hong; Liu, Wen-xing; Zhou, Xue-yun; Zhou, Li-ling; Yu, Long-Kun
2018-02-01
In order to thoroughly understand the characteristics of the aperture-averaging effect of atmospheric scintillation in terrestrial optical wireless communication and provide references for engineering design and performance evaluation of the optics system employed in the atmosphere, we have theoretically deduced the generally analytic expression of the aperture-averaging factor of atmospheric scintillation, and numerically investigated characteristics of the apertureaveraging factor under different propagation conditions. The limitations of the current commonly used approximate calculation formula of aperture-averaging factor have been discussed, and the results showed that the current calculation formula is not applicable for the small receiving aperture under non-uniform turbulence link. Numerical calculation has showed that aperture-averaging factor of atmospheric scintillation presented an exponential decline model for the small receiving aperture under non-uniform turbulent link, and the general expression of the model was given. This model has certain guiding significance for evaluating the aperture-averaging effect in the terrestrial optical wireless communication.
STS-43 MS Adamson checks OCTW experiment on OV-104's aft flight deck
1991-08-11
STS043-04-038 (2-11 Aug 1991) --- Astronaut James C. Adamson, STS-43 mission specialist, checks on an experiment on Atlantis? flight deck. Part of the experiment, Optical Communications Through the Shuttle Window (OCTW), can be seen mounted in upper right. The OCTW system consists of two modules, one inside the orbiter crew cabin (as pictured here) and one in the payload bay. The crew compartment version houses an optoelectronic transmitter/receiver pair for video and digital subsystems, test circuitry and interface circuitry. The payload bay module serves as a repeater station. During operation a signal is transmitted through the shuttle window to a bundle of optical fiber cables mounted in the payload bay near an aft window. The cables carry optical signals from the crew compartment equipment to the OCTW payload bay module. The signals are returned via optical fiber cable to the aft flight deck window, retransmitted through the window, and received by the crew compartment equipment.
High Intensity Laser Power Beaming Architecture for Space and Terrestrial Missions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nayfeh, Taysir; Fast, Brian; Raible, Daniel; Dinca, Dragos; Tollis, Nick; Jalics, Andrew
2011-01-01
High Intensity Laser Power Beaming (HILPB) has been developed as a technique to achieve Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) for both space and terrestrial applications. In this paper, the system architecture and hardware results for a terrestrial application of HILPB are presented. These results demonstrate continuous conversion of high intensity optical energy at near-IR wavelengths directly to electrical energy at output power levels as high as 6.24 W from the single cell 0.8 cm2 aperture receiver. These results are scalable, and may be realized by implementing receiver arraying and utilizing higher power source lasers. This type of system would enable long range optical refueling of electric platforms, such as MUAV s, airships, robotic exploration missions and provide power to spacecraft platforms which may utilize it to drive electric means of propulsion.
Ultrasonic imaging using optoelectronic transmitters.
Emery, C D; Casey, H C; Smith, S W
1998-04-01
Conventional ultrasound scanners utilize electronic transmitters and receivers at the scanner with a separate coaxial cable connected to each transducer element in the handle. The number of transducer elements determines the size and weight of the transducer cable assembly that connects the imaging array to the scanner. 2-D arrays that allow new imaging modalities to be introduced significantly increase the channel count making the transducer cable assembly more difficult to handle. Therefore, reducing the size and increasing the flexibility of the transducer cable assembly is a concern. Fiber optics can be used to transmit signals optically and has distinct advantages over standard coaxial cable to increase flexibility and decrease the weight of the transducer cable for larger channel numbers. The use of fiber optics to connect the array and the scanner entails the use of optoelectronics such as detectors and laser diodes to send and receive signals. In transmit, optoelectronics would have to be designed to produce high-voltage wide-bandwidth pulses across the transducer element. In this paper, we describe a 48 channel ultrasound system having 16 optoelectronic transmitters and 32 conventional electronic receivers. We investigated both silicon avalanche photodiodes (APD's) and GaAs lateral photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS's) for producing the transmit pulses. A Siemens SI-1200 scanner and a 2.25 MHz linear array were used to compare the optoelectronic system to a conventional electronic transmit system. Transmit signal results and images in tissue mimicking of cysts and tumors are provided for comparison.
Fiber optic sensor based on reflectivity configurations to detect heart rate
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yunianto, M.; Marzuki, A.; Riyatun, R.; Lestari, D.
2016-11-01
Research of optical fiber-based heart rate detection sensor has been conducted using the reflection configurationon the thorax motion modified. Optical fiber used in this research was Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) with a diameter of 0.5. Optical fiber system is made with two pieces of fiber, the first fiber is to serve as a transmitter transmitting light from the source to the reflector membrane, the second fiber serves as a receiver. One of the endsfrom the two fibersis pressed and positioned perpendicular of reflector membrane which is placed on the surface of the chest. The sensor works on the principle of intensity changes captured by the receiver fiber when the reflector membrane gets the vibe from the heart. The light source used is in the form of Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) as a light sensor. Variations are performed on the reflector membrane diameter. The light intensity received by the detector increases along with the increasing width of the reflector membrane diameter. The results show that this sensor can detect the harmonic peak at a frequency of 1.5 Hz; 7.5 Hz; 10.5 Hz; and 22.5 Hz in a healthy human heart with an average value of Beat Per Minute (BPM) by 78 times, a prototype sensor that is made can work and function properly.
Low-cost Large Aperture Telescopes for Optical Communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hemmati, Hamid
2006-01-01
Low-cost, large-aperture optical receivers are required to form an affordable optical ground receiver network for laser communications. Among the ground receiver station's multiple subsystems, here, we only discuss the ongoing research activities aimed at reducing the cost of the large-size optics on the receiver. Experimental results of two different approaches for fabricating low-cost mirrors of wavefront quality on the order of 100-200X the diffraction limit are described. Laboratory-level effort are underway to improve the surface figure to better than 20X the diffraction limit.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Long Wavelength InP HBT-Based Optical Receiver
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roenker, Kenneth P.
1997-01-01
Development of a high speed photodetector - the InP-based phototransistor (HPT) for use in optical receivers for microwave signal distribution for satellite phased array antennas is addressed. Currently, p-i-n photodetectors are used because of their compatibility with the heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), but their performance limits the bandwidth of these optical receivers. The HPT photodetector was investigated here as an alternative photodetector for monolithic integration with heterojunction bipolar transistor amplifiers in long wavelength (1.3 micron), gigahertz (GHz) frequency optical receivers.
Optical chirp z-transform processor with a simplified architecture.
Ngo, Nam Quoc
2014-12-29
Using a simplified chirp z-transform (CZT) algorithm based on the discrete-time convolution method, this paper presents the synthesis of a simplified architecture of a reconfigurable optical chirp z-transform (OCZT) processor based on the silica-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology. In the simplified architecture of the reconfigurable OCZT, the required number of optical components is small and there are no waveguide crossings which make fabrication easy. The design of a novel type of optical discrete Fourier transform (ODFT) processor as a special case of the synthesized OCZT is then presented to demonstrate its effectiveness. The designed ODFT can be potentially used as an optical demultiplexer at the receiver of an optical fiber orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission system.
Mattei, E; Calcagnini, G; Triventi, M; Delogu, A; Del Guercio, M; Angeloni, A; Bartolini, P
2013-01-01
The time-varying gradient fields generated during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures have the potential to induce electrical current on implanted endocardial leads. Whether this current can result in undesired cardiac stimulation is unknown. This paper presents an optically coupled system with the potential to quantitatively measure the currents induced by the gradient fields into endocardial leads during MRI procedures. Our system is based on a microcontroller that works as analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and sends the current signal acquired from the lead to an optical high-speed light-emitting-diode transmitter. Plastic fiber guides the light outside the MRI chamber, to a photodiode receiver and then to an acquisition board connected to a PC. The preliminary characterization of the performances of the system is also presented.
Aharonovich, Marius; Arnon, Shlomi
2005-08-01
Optical wireless communication (OWC) systems use the atmosphere as a propagation medium. However, a common problem is that from time to time moderate cloud and fog emerge between the receiver and the transmitter. These adverse weather conditions impose temporal broadening and power loss on the optical signal, which reduces the digital signal-to-noise ratio (DSNR), produces significant intersymbol interference (ISI), and degrades the communication system's bit error rate (BER) and throughput. We propose and investigate the use of a combined adaptive bandwidth mechanism and decision feedback equalizer (DFE) to mitigate these atmospheric multipath effects. Based on theoretical analysis and simulations of DSNR penalties, BER, and optimum system bandwidths, we show that a DFE improves the outdoor OWC system immunity to ISI in foggy weather while maintaining high throughput and desired low BER.
The selection criteria elements of X-ray optics system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Plotnikova, I. V.; Chicherina, N. V.; Bays, S. S.; Bildanov, R. G.; Stary, O.
2018-01-01
At the design of new modifications of x-ray tomography there are difficulties in the right choice of elements of X-ray optical system. Now this problem is solved by practical consideration, selection of values of the corresponding parameters - tension on an x-ray tube taking into account the thickness and type of the studied material. For reduction of time and labor input of design it is necessary to create the criteria of the choice, to determine key parameters and characteristics of elements. In the article two main elements of X-ray optical system - an x-ray tube and the detector of x-ray radiation - are considered. Criteria of the choice of elements, their key characteristics, the main dependences of parameters, quality indicators and also recommendations according to the choice of elements of x-ray systems are received.
Very-Long-Distance Remote Hearing and Vibrometry
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Maleki, Lute; Yu, Nan; Matsko, Andrey; Savchenkov, Anatoliy
2009-01-01
A proposed development of laser-based instrumentation systems would extend the art of laser Doppler vibrometry beyond the prior limits of laser-assisted remote hearing and industrial vibrometry for detecting defects in operating mechanisms. A system according to the proposal could covertly measure vibrations of objects at distances as large as thousands of kilometers and could process the measurement data to enable recognition of vibrations characteristic of specific objects of interest, thereby enabling recognition of the objects themselves. A typical system as envisioned would be placed in orbit around the Earth for use as a means of determining whether certain objects on or under the ground are of interest as potential military targets. Terrestrial versions of these instruments designed for airborne or land- or sea-based operation could be similarly useful for military or law-enforcement purposes. Prior laser-based remote-hearing systems are not capable of either covert operation or detecting signals beyond modest distances when operated at realistic laser power levels. The performances of prior systems for recognition of objects by remote vibrometry are limited by low signal-to-noise ratios and lack of filtering of optical signals returned from targets. The proposed development would overcome these limitations. A system as proposed would include a narrow-band laser as its target illuminator, a lock-in-detection receiver subsystem, and a laser-power-control subsystem that would utilize feedback of the intensity of background illumination of the target to adjust the laser power. The laser power would be set at a level high enough to enable the desired measurements but below the threshold of detectability by an imaginary typical modern photodetector located at the target and there exposed to the background illumination. The laser beam would be focused tightly on the distant target, such that the receiving optics would be exposed to only one speckle. The return signal would be extremely-narrow-band filtered (to sub-kilohertz bandwidth) in the optical domain by a whispering-gallery- mode filter so as to remove most of the background illumination. The filtered optical signal would be optically amplified. This combination of optical filtering and optical amplification would provide an optical signal that would be strong enough to be detectable but not so strong as to saturate the detector in the lock-in detection subsystem.
Parabolic trough receiver heat loss and optical efficiency round robin 2015/2016
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pernpeintner, Johannes; Schiricke, Björn; Sallaberry, Fabienne; de Jalón, Alberto García; López-Martín, Rafael; Valenzuela, Loreto; de Luca, Antonio; Georg, Andreas
2017-06-01
A round robin for parabolic trough receiver heat loss and optical efficiency in the laboratory was performed between five institutions using five receivers in 2015/2016. Heat loss testing was performed at three cartridge heater test benches and one Joule heating test bench in the temperature range between 100 °C and 550 °C. Optical efficiency testing was performed with two spectrometric test bench and one calorimetric test bench. Heat loss testing results showed standard deviations at the order of 6% to 12 % for most temperatures and receivers and a standard deviation of 17 % for one receiver at 100 °C. Optical efficiency is presented normalized for laboratories showing standard deviations of 0.3 % to 1.3 % depending on the receiver.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Guo, Haotian; Duan, Fajie; Wu, Guoxiu
2014-11-15
The blade tip clearance is a parameter of great importance to guarantee the efficiency and safety of the turbine engines. In this article, a laser ranging system designed for blade tip clearance measurement is presented. Multi-mode fiber is utilized for optical transmission to guarantee that enough optical power is received by the sensor probe. The model of the tiny sensor probe is presented. The error brought by the optical path difference of different modes of the fiber is estimated and the length of the fiber is limited to reduce this error. The measurement range in which the optical power receivedmore » by the probe remains essentially unchanged is analyzed. Calibration experiments and dynamic experiments are conducted. The results of the calibration experiments indicate that the resolution of the system is about 0.02 mm and the range of the system is about 9 mm.« less
Analysis of stray radiation for infrared optical system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Yang; Zhang, Tingcheng; Liao, Zhibo; Mu, Shengbo; Du, Jianxiang; Wang, Xiangdong
2016-10-01
Based on the theory of radiation energy transfer in the infrared optical system, two methods for stray radiation analysis caused by interior thermal radiation in infrared optical system are proposed, one of which is important sampling method technique using forward ray trace, another of which is integral computation method using reverse ray trace. The two methods are discussed in detail. A concrete infrared optical system is provided. Light-tools is used to simulate the passage of radiation from the mirrors and mounts. Absolute values of internal irradiance on the detector are received. The results shows that the main part of the energy on the detector is due to the critical objects which were consistent with critical objects obtained by reverse ray trace, where mirror self-emission contribution is about 87.5% of the total energy. Corresponding to the results, the irradiance on the detector calculated by the two methods are in good agreement. So the validity and rationality of the two methods are proved.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ji, Wei
2013-07-01
Video on demand is a very attractive service used for entertainment, education, and other purposes. The design of passive optical networking+Ethernet over coaxial cable accessing and a home gateway system is proposed. The network integrates the passive optical networking and Ethernet over coaxial cable to provide high dedicated bandwidth for the metropolitan video-on-demand services. Using digital video broadcasting, IP television protocol, unicasting, and broadcasting mechanisms maximizes the system throughput. The home gateway finishes radio frequency signal receiving and provides three kinds of interfaces for high-definition video, voice, and data, which achieves triple-play and wire/wireless access synchronously.
Research progress of free space coherent optical communication
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tan, Zhenkun; Ke, Xizheng
2018-02-01
This paper mainly introduces the research progress of free space coherent optical communication in Xi'an University of Technology. In recent years, the research on the outer modulation technology of the laser, free-space-to-fiber coupling technique, the design of transmitting and receiving optical antenna, adaptive optical technology with or without wave-front sensor, automatic polarization control technology, frequency stabilization technology, heterodyne detection technology and high speed signal processing technology. Based on the above related research, the digital signal modulation, transmission, detection and data recovery are realized by the heterodyne detection technology in the free space optical communication system, and finally the function of smooth viewing high-definition video is realized.
Xu, Tianhua; Karanov, Boris; Shevchenko, Nikita A; Lavery, Domaniç; Liga, Gabriele; Killey, Robert I; Bayvel, Polina
2017-10-11
Nyquist-spaced transmission and digital signal processing have proved effective in maximising the spectral efficiency and reach of optical communication systems. In these systems, Kerr nonlinearity determines the performance limits, and leads to spectral broadening of the signals propagating in the fibre. Although digital nonlinearity compensation was validated to be promising for mitigating Kerr nonlinearities, the impact of spectral broadening on nonlinearity compensation has never been quantified. In this paper, the performance of multi-channel digital back-propagation (MC-DBP) for compensating fibre nonlinearities in Nyquist-spaced optical communication systems is investigated, when the effect of signal spectral broadening is considered. It is found that accounting for the spectral broadening effect is crucial for achieving the best performance of DBP in both single-channel and multi-channel communication systems, independent of modulation formats used. For multi-channel systems, the degradation of DBP performance due to neglecting the spectral broadening effect in the compensation is more significant for outer channels. Our work also quantified the minimum bandwidths of optical receivers and signal processing devices to ensure the optimal compensation of deterministic nonlinear distortions.
Integrated MEMS-based variable optical attenuator and 10Gb/s receiver
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aberson, James; Cusin, Pierre; Fettig, H.; Hickey, Ryan; Wylde, James
2005-03-01
MEMS devices can be successfully commercialized in favour of competing technologies only if they offer an advantage to the customer in terms of lower cost or increased functionality. There are limited markets where MEMS can be manufactured cheaper than similar technologies due to large volumes: automotive, printing technology, wireless communications, etc. However, success in the marketplace can also be realized by adding significant value to a system at minimal cost or leverging MEMS technology when other solutions simply will not work. This paper describes a thermally actuated, MEMS based, variable optical attenuator that is co-packaged with existing opto-electronic devices to develop an integrated 10Gb/s SONET/SDH receiver. The configuration of the receiver opto-electronics and relatively low voltage availability (12V max) in optical systems bar the use of LCD, EO, and electro-chromic style attenuators. The device was designed and fabricated using a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) starting material. The design and performance of the device (displacement, power consumption, reliability, physical geometry) was defined by the receiver parameters geometry. This paper will describe how these design parameters (hence final device geometry) were determined in light of both the MEMS device fabrication process and the receiver performance. Reference will be made to the design tools used and the design flow which was a joint effort between the MEMS vendor and the end customer. The SOI technology offered a robust, manufacturable solution that gave the required performance in a cost-effective process. However, the singulation of the devices required the development of a new singulation technique that allowed large volumes of silicon to be removed during fabrication yet still offer high singulation yields.
Yu, Aifang; Chen, Xiangyu; Wang, Rui; Liu, Jingyu; Luo, Jianjun; Chen, Libo; Zhang, Yang; Wu, Wei; Liu, Caihong; Yuan, Hongtao; Peng, Mingzeng; Hu, Weiguo; Zhai, Junyi; Wang, Zhong Lin
2016-04-26
In this paper, we demonstrate an application of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as a self-powered communication unit. An elaborately designed TENG is used to translate a series of environmental triggering signals into binary digital signals and drives an electronic-optical device to transmit binary digital data in real-time without an external power supply. The elaborately designed TENG is built in a membrane structure that can effectively drive the electronic-optical device in a bandwidth from 1.30 to 1.65 kHz. Two typical communication modes (amplitude-shift keying and frequency-shift keying) are realized through the resonant response of TENG to different frequencies, and two digital signals, i.e., "1001" and "0110", are successfully transmitted and received through this system, respectively. Hence, in this study, a simple but efficient method for directly transmitting ambient vibration to the receiver as a digital signal is established using an elaborately designed TENG and an optical communication technique. This type of the communication system, as well as the implementation method presented, exhibits great potential for applications in the smart city, smart home, password authentication, and so on.
Hendrix, J.L.
1995-04-11
A laser initiated ordnance controller apparatus which provides a safe and arm scheme with no moving parts. The safe & arm apparatus provides isolation of firing energy to explosive devices using a combination of polarization isolation and control through acousto-optical deviation of laser energy pulses. The apparatus provides constant monitoring of the systems status and performs 100% built-in-test at any time prior to ordnance ignition without the risk of premature ignition or detonation. The apparatus has a computer controller, a solid state laser, an acousto-optic deflector and RF drive circuitry, built-in-test optics and electronics, and system monitoring capabilities. The optical system is completed from the laser beam power source to the pyrotechnic ordnance through fiber optic cabling, optical splitters and optical connectors. During operation of the apparatus, a command is provided by the computer controller and, simultaneous with laser flashlamp fire, the safe & arm device is opened for approximately 200 microseconds which allows the laser pulse to transmit through the device. The arm signal also energizes the laser power supply and activates the acousto-optical deflector. When the correct fire format command is received, the acousto-optic deflector moves to the selected event channel, and the channel is verified to ensure the system is pointing to the correct position. Laser energy is transmitted through the fiber where an ignitor or detonator designed to be sensitive to optical pulses is fired at the end of the fiber channel. Simultaneous event channels may also be utilized by optically splitting a single event channel. The built-in-test may be performed anytime prior to ordnance ignition. 6 figures.
Hendrix, James L.
1995-01-01
A laser initiated ordnance controller apparatus which provides a safe and m scheme with no moving parts. The safe & arm apparatus provides isolation of firing energy to explosive devices using a combination of polarization isolation and control through acousto-optical deviation of laser energy pulses. The apparatus provides constant monitoring of the systems status and performs 100% built-in-test at any time prior to ordnance ignition without the risk of premature ignition or detonation. The apparatus has a computer controller, a solid state laser, an acousto-optic deflector and RF drive circuitry, built-in-test optics and electronics, and system monitoring capabilities. The optical system is completed from the laser beam power source to the pyrotechnic ordnance through fiber optic cabling, optical splitters and optical connectors. During operation of the apparatus, a command is provided by the computer controller and, simultaneous with laser flashlamp fire, the safe & arm device is opened for approximately 200 microseconds which allows the laser pulse to transmit through the device. The arm signal also energizes the laser power supply and activates the acousto-optical deflector. When the correct fire format command is received, the acousto-optic deflector moves to the selected event channel, and the channel is verified to ensure the system is pointing to the correct position. Laser energy is transmitted through the fiber where an ignitor or detonator designed to be sensitive to optical pulses is fired at the end of the fiber channel. Simultaneous event channels may also be utilized by optically splitting a single event channel. The built-in-test may be performed anytime prior to ordnance ignition.
Indoor communications networks realized through hybrid free-space optical and Wi-Fi links
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liverman, Spencer; Wang, Qiwei; Chu, Yu-Chung; Borah, Anindita; Wang, Songtao; Natarajan, Arun; Nguyen, Thinh; Wang, Alan X.
2018-01-01
Recently, free-space optical (FSO) networks have been investigated as a potential replacement for traditional WiFi networks due to their large bandwidth potentials. However, FSO networks often suffer from a lack of mobility. We present a hybrid free-space optical and radio frequency (RF) system that we have named WiFO, which seamlessly integrates free-space optical links with pre-existing WiFi networks. The free-space optical link in this system utilizes infrared LEDs operating at a wavelength of 850nm and is capable of transmitting 50Mbps over a three-meter distance. In this hybrid system, optical transmitters are embedded periodically throughout the ceiling of a workspace. Each transmitter directs an optical signal downward in a diffuse light cone, establishing a line of sight optical link. Line of sight communications links have an intrinsic physical layer of security due to the fact that a user must be directly in the path of transmission to access the link; however, this feature also poses a challenge for mobility. In our system, if the free-space optical link is interrupted, a control algorithm redirects traffic over a pre-existing WiFi link ensuring uninterrupted transmissions. After data packets are received, acknowledgments are sent back to a central access point via a WiFi link. As the demand for wireless bandwidth continues to increase exponentially, utilizing the unregulated bandwidth contained within optical spectrum will become necessary. Our fully functional hybrid free-space optical and WiFi prototype system takes full advantage of the untapped bandwidth potential in the optical spectrum, while also maintaining the mobility inherent in WiFi networks.
Synchronous identification of friendly targets
Telle, John M.; Roger, Stutz A.
1998-01-01
A synchronous communication targeting system for use in battle. The present invention includes a transceiver having a stabilizing oscillator, a synchronous amplifier and an omnidirectional receiver, all in electrical communication with each other. A remotely located beacon is attached to a blackbody radiation source and has an amplitude modulator in electrical communication with a optical source. The beacon's amplitude modulator is set so that the optical source transmits radiation frequency at approximately the same or lower amplitude than that of the blackbody radiation source to which the beacon is attached. The receiver from the transceiver is adapted to receive frequencies approximately at or below blackbody radiation signals and sends such signals to the synchronous amplifier. The synchronous amplifier then rectifies and amplifies those signals which correspond to the predetermined frequency to therefore identify whether the blackbody radiation source is friendly or not.
Ultrabroadband Phased-Array Receivers Based on Optical Techniques
2016-02-26
AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2016-0121 Ultrabroadband Phased- array Receivers Based on Optical Techniques Christopher Schuetz UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE Final Report...Jul 15 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Ultrabroadband Phased- Array Receivers Based on Optical Techniques 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550-12-1...receiver that enables us to capture and convert signals across an array using photonic modulators, routing these signals to a central location using
Optical Measurement of Mass Flow of a Two-Phase Fluid
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wiley, John; Pedersen, Kevin; Koman, Valentin; Gregory, Don
2008-01-01
An optoelectronic system utilizes wavelength-dependent scattering of light for measuring the density and mass flow of a two-phase fluid in a pipe. The apparatus was invented for original use in measuring the mass flow of a two-phase cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid hydrogen containing bubbles of hydrogen gas), but underlying principles of operation can readily be adapted to non-cryogenic two-phase fluids. The system (see figure) includes a laser module, which contains two or more laser diodes, each operating at a different wavelength. The laser module also contains beam splitters that combine the beams at the various wavelengths so as to produce two output beams, each containing all of the wavelengths. One of the multiwavelength output beams is sent, via a multimode fiberoptic cable, to a transmitting optical coupler. The other multiwavelength output beam is sent, via another multimode fiber-optic cable, to a reference detector module, wherein fiber-optic splitters split the light into several multiwavelength beams, each going to a photodiode having a spectral response that is known and that differs from the spectral responses of the other photodiodes. The outputs of these photodiodes are digitized and fed to a processor, which executes an algorithm that utilizes the known spectral responses to convert the photodiode outputs to obtain reference laser-power levels for the various wavelengths. The transmitting optical coupler is mounted in (and sealed to) a hole in the pipe and is oriented at a slant with respect to the axis of the pipe. The transmitting optical coupler contains a collimating lens and a cylindrical lens that form the light emerging from the end of the fiber-optic cable into a fan-shaped beam in a meridional plane of the pipe. Receiving optical couplers similar to the transmitting optical couplers are mounted in the same meridional plane at various longitudinal positions on the opposite side of the pipe, approximately facing the transmitting optical coupler along the same slant. Light collected by each receiving optical coupler is sent, via a multimode fiber-optic cable, to a detector module similar to the reference detector module. The outputs of the photodiodes in each detector module are digitized and processed, similarly to those of the reference detector module, to obtain indications of the amounts of light of each wavelength scattered to the corresponding receiving position. The value for each wavelength at each position is also normalized to the reference laser-power level for that wavelength. From these normalized values, the density and the mass flow rate of the fluid are estimated.
A novel variable baseline visibility detection system and its measurement method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Meng; Jiang, Li-hui; Xiong, Xing-long; Zhang, Guizhong; Yao, JianQuan
2017-10-01
As an important meteorological observation instrument, the visibility meter can ensure the safety of traffic operation. However, due to the optical system contamination as well as sample error, the accuracy and stability of the equipment are difficult to meet the requirement in the low-visibility environment. To settle this matter, a novel measurement equipment was designed based upon multiple baseline, which essentially acts as an atmospheric transmission meter with movable optical receiver, applying weighted least square method to process signal. Theoretical analysis and experiments in real atmosphere environment support this technique.
Holographic Airborne Rotating Lidar Instrument Experiment (HARLIE)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schwemmer, Geary K.
1998-01-01
Scanning holographic lidar receivers are currently in use in two operational lidar systems, PHASERS (Prototype Holographic Atmospheric Scanner for Environmental Remote Sensing) and now HARLIE (Holographic Airborne Rotating Lidar Instrument Experiment). These systems are based on volume phase holograms made in dichromated gelatin (DCG) sandwiched between 2 layers of high quality float glass. They have demonstrated the practical application of this technology to compact scanning lidar systems at 532 and 1064 nm wavelengths, the ability to withstand moderately high laser power and energy loading, sufficient optical quality for most direct detection systems, overall efficiencies rivaling conventional receivers, and the stability to last several years under typical lidar system environments. Their size and weight are approximately half of similar performing scanning systems using reflective optics. The cost of holographic systems will eventually be lower than the reflective optical systems depending on their degree of commercialization. There are a number of applications that require or can greatly benefit from a scanning capability. Several of these are airborne systems, which either use focal plane scanning, as in the Laser Vegetation Imaging System or use primary aperture scanning, as in the Airborne Oceanographic Lidar or the Large Aperture Scanning Airborne Lidar. The latter class requires a large clear aperture opening or window in the aircraft. This type of system can greatly benefit from the use of scanning transmission holograms of the HARLIE type because the clear aperture required is only about 25% larger than the collecting aperture as opposed to 200-300% larger for scan angles of 45 degrees off nadir.
A short-range optical wireless transmission method based on LED
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Miao, Meiyuan; Chen, Ailin; Zhu, Mingxing; Li, Ping; Gao, Yingming; Zou, Nianyu
2016-10-01
As to electromagnetic wave interfere and only one to one transmission problem of Bluetooth, a short-range LED optical wireless transmission method is proposed to be complementary technology in this paper. Furthermore achieved image transmission through this method. The system makes C52 to be the mater controller, transmitter got data from terminals by USB and sends modulated signals with LED. Optical signal is detected by PD, through amplified, filtered with shaping wave from, and demodulated on receiver. Then send to terminals like PC and reverted back to original image. Analysis the performance from peak power and average power, power consumption of transmitter, relationship of bit error rate and modulation mode, and influence of ambient light, respectively. The results shows that image can be received accurately which uses this method. The most distant transmission distance can get to 1m with transmitter LED source of 1w, and the transfer rate is 14.4Kbit/s with OOK modulation mode on stabilization system, the ambient light effect little to LED transmission system in normal light environment. The method is a convenient to carry LED wireless short range transmission for mobile transmission equipment as a supplement of Bluetooth short-range transmission for its ISM band interfere, and the analysis method in this paper can be a reference for other similar systems. It also proves the system is feasibility for next study.
Evaluation of optical up- and downlinks from high altitude platforms using IM/DD
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Henniger, Hennes; Giggenbach, Dirk; Horwath, Joachim; Rapp, Christoph
2005-04-01
The advantages of optical links like small, light and power efficient terminals are practical for high data rate services over high altitude platforms (HAPs). However, atmospheric effects can disturb the optical links and must be considered in link design. In this paper we evaluate clear sky and non clear sky attenuation effects and their impact on the link-quality of up- and downlinks from HAPs. As vertical links could be restricted by very large cloud and fog attenuation, investigations of the scattering effects in cloud media has been done. The Mie-theory shows that cloud transmittance is not depending on the wavelength, whereas the attenuation of fog and dust is smaller for longer wavelengths. Satellite cloud data has been used to predict the link availability for a ground station in Germany. A ground station diversity concept is introduced to achieve higher link availability. As high receiver sensitivity helps to reduce terminal mass, power and size, evaluation of receiver sensitivity is shown. Also, a receiver model is developed which enables to calculate for the background light loss in direct detection systems.
Applications of FM-CW laser radar to antenna contour mapping
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Slotwinski, A. R.
1989-01-01
The FM-CW coherent laser radar concept, based on the FM radar principle which makes use of the coherence and lunability of injection laser diodes, is discussed. Laser radar precision/time tradeoffs, block diagrams, system performance, fiber optic system implantation, and receiver improvements are briefly described.
Scanner. [photography from a spin stabilized synchronous satellite
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hummer, R. F.; Upton, D. T. (Inventor)
1981-01-01
An aerial vehicle rotating in gyroscopic fashion about one of its axes has an optical system which scans an area below the vehicle in determined relation to vehicle rotation. A sensing device is provided to sense the physical condition of the area of scan and optical means are associated to direct the physical intelligence received from the scan area to the sensing means. Means are provided to incrementally move the optical means through a series of steps to effect sequential line scan of the area being viewed keyed to the rotational rate of the vehicle.
Ionization of deep quantum wells: Optical trampoline effect
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Perlin, E. Yu.; Levitskiĭ, R. S.
2007-02-01
A new mechanism of transitions of an electronic system from the ground state to states with excitation energies exceeding many times the energy of a light photon initiating the transitions has been considered. This mechanism is based on the so-called optical “trampoline” effect: one of the interacting electrons receives energy from another electron and, simultaneously absorbing a photon ħω, overcomes the energy gap significantly exceeding ħω. Ionization of deep quantum wells by low-frequency light of moderate intensity due to the optical trampoline effect was calculated.
Two-dimensional optical architectures for the receive mode of phased-array antennas.
Pastur, L; Tonda-Goldstein, S; Dolfi, D; Huignard, J P; Merlet, T; Maas, O; Chazelas, J
1999-05-10
We propose and experimentally demonstrate two optical architectures that process the receive mode of a p x p element phased-array antenna. The architectures are based on free-space propagation and switching of the channelized optical carriers of microwave signals. With the first architecture a direct transposition of the received signals in the optical domain is assumed. The second architecture is based on the optical generation and distribution of a microwave local oscillator matched in frequency and direction. Preliminary experimental results at microwave frequencies of approximately 3 GHz are presented.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vontobel, G.; Schelders, C.; Real, M.
A flux analyzing system (F.A.S.) was installed at the central receiver system of the SSPS project to determine the relative flux distribution of the heliostat field and to measure the entire optical solar flux reflected from the heliostat field into the receiver cavity. The functional principles of the F.A.S. are described. The raw data and the evaluation of the measurements of the entire helistat field are given, and an approach to determine the actual fluxes which hit the receiver tube bundle is presented. A method is described to qualify the performance of each heliostat using a computer code. The data of the measurements of the direct radiation are presented.
Optical superheterodyne receiver.
Lucy, R F; Lang, K; Peters, C J; Duval, K
1967-08-01
Optical communications experiments at 6328 A, comparing the fading characteristics of coherent and noncoherent optical detection, have been performed over a 1-km real atmospheric path in different weather conditions. The results show that fading is less severe for noncoherent detection and that the fading characteristic for both types vary significantly with weather conditions. In addition, the similarity of optical FM to rf FM is demonstrated. The measurements were performed using a remote laser transmitter and an optical superheterodyne receiver operating simultaneously in both a coherent and noncoherent detection mode. The receiver, tunable over a frequency range of 1 GHz at the IF difference frequency of 30 MHz, has automatic frequency control and also uses a precision angle tracking servo to maintain receiver spatial alignment with a remote transmitter. The angle and frequency tracking capability permit operation between moving transmitter and receiver terminals.
Fiber optic photoacoustic probe with ultrasonic tracking for guiding minimally invasive procedures
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xia, Wenfeng; Mosse, Charles A.; Colchester, Richard J.; Mari, Jean Martial; Nikitichev, Daniil I.; West, Simeon J.; Ourselin, Sebastien; Beard, Paul C.; Desjardins, Adrien E.
2015-07-01
In a wide range of clinical procedures, accurate placement of medical devices such as needles and catheters is critical to optimize patient outcomes. Ultrasound imaging is often used to guide minimally invasive procedures, as it can provide real-time visualization of patient anatomy and medical devices. However, this modality can provide low image contrast for soft tissues, and poor visualization of medical devices that are steeply angled with respect to the incoming ultrasound beams. Photoacoustic sensors can provide information about the spatial distributions of tissue chromophores that could be valuable for guiding minimally invasive procedures. In this study, a system for guiding minimally invasive procedures using photoacoustic sensing was developed. This system included a miniature photoacoustic probe with three optical fibers: one with a bare end for photoacoustic excitation of tissue, a second for photoacoustic excitation of an optically absorbing coating at the distal end to transmit ultrasound, and a third with a Fabry-Perot cavity at the distal end for receiving ultrasound. The position of the photoacoustic probe was determined with ultrasonic tracking, which involved transmitting pulses from a linear-array ultrasound imaging probe at the tissue surface, and receiving them with the fiber-optic ultrasound receiver in the photoacoustic probe. The axial resolution of photoacoustic sensing was better than 70 μm, and the tracking accuracy was better than 1 mm in both axial and lateral dimensions. By translating the photoacoustic probe, depth scans were obtained from different spatial positions, and two-dimensional images were reconstructed using a frequency-domain algorithm.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, Seung-Hyun; Lee, Sang-Soo; Shin, Dong-Wook
2010-06-01
We have experimentally demonstrated that the use of an optical receiver with decision threshold level adjustment (DTLA) improved the performance of an upstream transmission in reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA)-based loopback wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (WDM-PON). Even though the extinction ratio (ER) of the downstream signal was as much as 9 dB and the injection power into the RSOA at the optical network unit was about -24 dBm, we successfully obtained error-free transmission results for the upstream signal through careful control of the decision threshold value in the optical receiver located at optical line terminal (OLT). Using an optical receiver with DTLA for upstream signal detection overcame significant obstacles related to the injection power into the RSOA and the ER of the downstream signal, which were previously considered limitations of the wavelength remodulation scheme. This technique is expected to provide flexibility for the optical link design in the practical deployment of a WDM-PON.
An inter-lighting interference cancellation scheme for MISO-VLC systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kim, Kyuntak; Lee, Kyujin; Lee, Kyesan
2017-08-01
In this paper, we propose an inter-lighting interference cancellation (ILIC) scheme to reduce the interference between adjacent light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and enhance the transmission capacity of multiple-input-single-output (MISO)-visible light communication (VLC) systems. In indoor environments, multiple LEDs have normally been used as lighting sources, allowing the design of MISO-VLC systems. To enhance the transmission capacity, different data should be simultaneously transmitted from each LED; however, that can lead to interference between adjacent LEDs. In that case, relatively low-received power signals are subjected to large interference because wireless optical systems generally use intensity modulation and direct detection. Thus, only the signal with the highest received power can be detected, while the other received signals cannot be detected. To solve this problem, we propose the ILIC scheme for MISO-VLC systems. The proposed scheme preferentially detects the highest received power signal, and this signal is referred as interference signal by an interference component generator. Then, relatively low-received power signal can be detected by cancelling the interference signal from the total received signals. Therefore, the performance of the proposed scheme can improve the total average bit error rate and throughput of a MISO-VLC system.
Zhu, Huatao; Wang, Rong; Pu, Tao; Fang, Tao; Xiang, Peng; Zheng, Jilin; Tang, Yeteng; Chen, Dalei
2016-08-10
We propose and experimentally demonstrate an optical stealth transmission system over a 200 GHz-grid wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) network. The stealth signal is processed by spectral broadening, temporal spreading, and power equalizing. The public signal is suppressed by multiband notch filtering at the stealth channel receiver. The interaction between the public and stealth channels is investigated in terms of public-signal-to-stealth-signal ratio, data rate, notch-filter bandwidth, and public channel number. The stealth signal can transmit over 80 km single-mode fiber with no error. Our experimental results verify the feasibility of optical steganography used over the existing WDM-based optical network.
Power losses in diffuse ultraviolet optical communications channels.
Raptis, Nikos; Pikasis, Evangelos; Syvridis, Dimitris
2016-09-15
One of the most critical parameters in free-space optical communications systems operating in a non-line-of-sight regime are the optical losses. In this Letter, we numerically calculate these losses taking into account the scattering effects using the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The obtained results are compared with experimentally obtained data at 265 nm (solar-blind UV regime). A large set of measurements at distances up to 20 m, for different elevation angles of the transmitter (UV-LEDs) and receiver (photomultiplier tube) and for different atmospheric conditions has been taken for the characterization of the optical communications channel in terms of its loss properties.
Hybrid catadioptric system for advanced optical cavity velocimetry
Frayer, Daniel K.
2018-02-06
A probe including reflector is disclosed to measure the velocity distribution of a moving surface along many lines of sight. Laser light, directed to the surface by the probe and then reflected back from the surface, is Doppler shifted by the moving surface, collected into probe, and then directed to detection equipment through optic fibers. The received light is mixed with reference laser light and using photonic Doppler velocimetry, a continuous time record of the surface movement is obtained. An array of single-mode optical fibers provides an optic signal to one or more lens groups and a reflector, such as a parabolic reflector having a mirrored interior surface.
The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline at FERMI: optical layout and first commissioning
Svetina, Cristian; Grazioli, Cesare; Mahne, Nicola; Raimondi, Lorenzo; Fava, Claudio; Zangrando, Marco; Gerusina, Simone; Alagia, Michele; Avaldi, Lorenzo; Cautero, Giuseppe; de Simone, Monica; Devetta, Michele; Di Fraia, Michele; Drabbels, Marcel; Feyer, Vitaliy; Finetti, Paola; Katzy, Raphael; Kivimäki, Antti; Lyamayev, Viktor; Mazza, Tommaso; Moise, Angelica; Möller, Thomas; O’Keeffe, Patrick; Ovcharenko, Yevheniy; Piseri, Paolo; Plekan, Oksana; Prince, Kevin C.; Sergo, Rudi; Stienkemeier, Frank; Stranges, Stefano; Coreno, Marcello; Callegari, Carlo
2015-01-01
The Low Density Matter (LDM) beamline has been built as part of the FERMI free-electron laser (FEL) facility to serve the atomic, molecular and cluster physics community. After the commissioning phase, it received the first external users at the end of 2012. The design and characterization of the LDM photon transport system is described, detailing the optical components of the beamline. PMID:25931066
Manufacturing Methods and Technology Program for Ruggedized Tactical Fiber Optic Cable.
1979-10-26
cores manufactured on this unit since the improvements were incorporated. An automatic diameter control unit with a laser micrometer sensor has been...fiber optic sensor systems for the TACA-MO aircraft and power encoding, an 18-port single fiber data bus for the Autonetics information transfer...echnica del Estado, Santiago, Chile in 1958. He received a degree in Industrial Chemical Engineering from Escuela de Ingenieros Industriales , Santiago
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Yuan Zhen; Zhang Qizhi; Sobel, Eric S.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of multimodality functional imaging techniques to identify the quantitative optical findings that can be used to distinguish between osteoarthritic and normal finger joints. Methods: Between 2006 and 2009, the distal interphalangeal finger joints from 40 female subjects including 22 patients and 18 healthy controls were examined clinically and scanned by a hybrid imaging system. This system integrated x-ray tomosynthetic setup with a diffuse optical imaging system. Optical absorption and scattering images were recovered based on a regularization-based hybrid reconstruction algorithm. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used tomore » calculate the statistical significance of specific optical features obtained from osteoarthritic and healthy joints groups. Results: The three-dimensional optical and x-ray images captured made it possible to quantify optical properties and joint space width of finger joints. Based on the recovered optical absorption and scattering parameters, the authors observed statistically significant differences between healthy and osteoarthritis finger joints. Conclusions: The statistical results revealed that sensitivity and specificity values up to 92% and 100%, respectively, can be achieved when optical properties of joint tissues were used as classifiers. This suggests that these optical imaging parameters are possible indicators for diagnosing osteoarthritis and monitoring its progression.« less
CO2 DIAL system: construction, measurements, and future development
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vicenik, Jiri
1999-07-01
A miniature CO2 DIAL system has been constructed. Dimension of the system are 500 X 450 X 240 mm, its mass is only 28 kg. The system consists of two tunable TEA CO2 lasers, receiving optics, IR detector, signal processing electronics and single chip microcomputer with display. The lasers are tuned manually by means of micrometric screw and are capable to generate pulses on more than 50 CO2 laser lines. The output energy is 50 mJ. The system was tested using various toxic gases and simulants, mostly at range 300 m, most of the measurements were done using pyrodetector in the receiver. The system shows good sensitivity, but it exhibits substantial instability of zero concentration. In the next stage the work will be concentrated on use of high-sensitivity MCT detector in the receiver and implementation of automatic tuning of lasers to the system.
All-optical VPN utilizing DSP-based digital orthogonal filters access for PONs
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Xiaoling; Zhang, Chongfu; Chen, Chen; Jin, Wei; Qiu, Kun
2018-04-01
Utilizing digital filtering-enabled signal multiplexing and de-multiplexing, a cost-effective all-optical virtual private network (VPN) system is proposed, for the first time to our best knowledge, in digital filter multiple access passive optical networks (DFMA-PONs). Based on the DFMA technology, the proposed system can be easily designed to meet the requirements of next generation network's flexibility, elasticity, adaptability and compatibility. Through dynamic digital filter allocation and recycling, the proposed all-optical VPN system can provide dynamic establishments and cancellations of multiple VPN communications with arbitrary traffic volumes. More importantly, due to the employment of DFMA technology, the system is not limited to a fixed signal format and different signal formats such as pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used. Moreover, one transceiver is sufficient to simultaneously transmit upstream (US)/VPN data to optical line terminal (OLT) or other VPN optical network units (ONUs), thus leading to great reduction in network constructions and operation expenditures. The proposed all-optical VPN system is demonstrated with the transceiver incorporating the formats of QAM and OFDM, which can be made transparent to downstream (DS), US and VPN communications. The bit error rates (BERs) of DS, US and VPN for OFDM signals are below the forward-error-correction (FEC) limit of 3 . 8 × 10-3 when the received optical powers are about -16.8 dBm, -14.5 dBm and -15.7 dBm, respectively.
Feasibility of optically interconnected parallel processors using wavelength division multiplexing
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Deri, R.J.; De Groot, A.J.; Haigh, R.E.
1996-03-01
New national security demands require enhanced computing systems for nearly ab initio simulations of extremely complex systems and analyzing unprecedented quantities of remote sensing data. This computational performance is being sought using parallel processing systems, in which many less powerful processors are ganged together to achieve high aggregate performance. Such systems require increased capability to communicate information between individual processor and memory elements. As it is likely that the limited performance of today`s electronic interconnects will prevent the system from achieving its ultimate performance, there is great interest in using fiber optic technology to improve interconnect communication. However, little informationmore » is available to quantify the requirements on fiber optical hardware technology for this application. Furthermore, we have sought to explore interconnect architectures that use the complete communication richness of the optical domain rather than using optics as a simple replacement for electronic interconnects. These considerations have led us to study the performance of a moderate size parallel processor with optical interconnects using multiple optical wavelengths. We quantify the bandwidth, latency, and concurrency requirements which allow a bus-type interconnect to achieve scalable computing performance using up to 256 nodes, each operating at GFLOP performance. Our key conclusion is that scalable performance, to {approx}150 GFLOPS, is achievable for several scientific codes using an optical bus with a small number of WDM channels (8 to 32), only one WDM channel received per node, and achievable optoelectronic bandwidth and latency requirements. 21 refs. , 10 figs.« less
Design and implementation of ATCA-based 100Gbps DP-QPSK optical signal test instrument
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Su, Shaojing; Qin, Jiangyi; Huang, Zhiping; Liu, Chenwu
2014-11-01
In order to achieve the receiving task of 100Gbps Dual Polarization-Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (DP-QPSK) optical signal acquisition instrument, improve acquisition performance of the instrument, this paper has deeply researched DP-QPSK modulation principles, demodulation techniques and the key technologies of optical signal acquisition. The theories of DP-QPSK optical signal transmission are researched. The DP-QPSK optical signal transmission model is deduced. And the clock and data recovery in high-speed data acquisition and offset correction of multi-channel data are researched. By reasonable hardware circuit design and software system construction, the utilization of high performance Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA), this paper proposes a 100Gbps DP-QPSK optical signal acquisition instrument which is based on ATCA. The implementations of key modules are presented by comparison and argumentation. According to the modularization idea, the instrument can be divided into eight modules. Each module performs the following functions. (1) DP-QPSK coherent detection demodulation module; (2) deceleration module; (3) FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array); (4) storage module; (5) data transmission module; (6) clock module; (7) power module; (8) JTAG debugging, configuration module; What is more, this paper has put forward two solutions to test optical signal acquisition instrument performance. The first scenario is based on a standard STM-256 optical signal format and exploits the SignalTap of QuartusII software to monitor the optical signal data. Another scenario is to use a pseudo-random signal series to generate data, acquisition module acquires a certain amount of data signals, and then the signals are transferred to a computer by the Gigabit Ethernet to analyze. Two testing results show that the bit error rate of optical signal acquisition instrument is low. And the instrument fully meets the requirements of signal receiving system. At the same time this design has an important significance in practical applications.
Development of optical surface-profiling instrumentation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lin, Yao; Takacs, Peter Z.; Tsang, Thomas; Furenlid, Karen; Wang, Runwen
1992-12-01
A novel non-contact optical profiler described in this paper is designed and made for measuring the surface characteristics of optical parts. Measurements are based on a combination of an optical heterodyne technique and a precise phase measurement procedure without the need of a reference surface. A Zeeman-split He-Ne laser is employed as the light source which offers two common-path polarized beams. The frequency difference between the beams is 1.8 MHz. A special optical head is designed and fashioned as a beam splitter which contains a birefringent lens and an objective. The whole optical system is completely common- path. This allows the optical common-mode rejection technique to be applied in the system for minimizing the environmental effects in measurements such as air turbulence, vibrations and temperature variations. To keep the sample surface focused on the ordinary rays in the optical head, an astigmatic autofocus system is employed. A stepping micro-stepping system can move the optical head in the range of 25 mm with 0.1 micrometers resolution. A data acquisition system is made to control the auto-focus system, data receiving and analyses. This makes the measurement automatically while the sample is being scanned. The characteristics of the surface can be displayed on the computer screen. The theoretical and experimental analyses of the profiler are completed. The profiler measures samples with 1.1 angstroms height accuracy and 4 micrometers lateral resolution when a 40X objective is used in the optical head. The accuracy comparisons of the profiler with different objectives 5X, 10X, 20X, and 40X are shown in good agreement. The advantages of the present profiler are presented. Based on the autofocus system, the profiler optical system will be designed to mount on a large linear air-bearing slide, so that it is capable of scanning over a distance covering from 4 micrometers to 1 m.
Fiber optic signal amplifier using thermoelectric power generation
Hart, M.M.
1993-01-01
A remote fiber optic signal amplifier for use as a repeater/amplifier, such as in transoceanic communication, powered by a Pu{sub 238} or Sr{sub 90} thermoelectric generator. The amplifier comprises a unit with connections on the receiving and sending sides of the communications system, and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier connecting each sending fiber to each receiving fiber. The thermoelectric generator, preferably a Pu{sub 238} or Sr{sub 90} thermoelectric generator delivers power to the amplifiers through a regulator. The heat exchange surfaces of the thermoelectric generator are made of material resistant to corrosion and biological growth and are directly exposed to the outside, such as the ocean water in transoceanic communications.
Fiber optic signal amplifier using thermoelectric power generation
Hart, M.M.
1995-04-18
A remote fiber optic signal amplifier for use as a repeater/amplifier, such as in transoceanic communications, powered by a Pu{sub 238} or Sr{sub 90} thermoelectric generator. The amplifier comprises a unit with connections on the receiving and sending sides of the communications system, and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier connecting each sending fiber to each receiving fiber. The thermoelectric generator, preferably a Pu{sub 238} or Sr{sub 90} thermoelectric generator delivers power to the amplifiers through a regulator. The heat exchange surfaces of the thermoelectric generator are made of materials resistant to corrosion and biological growth and are directly exposed to the outside, such as the ocean water in transoceanic communications. 2 figs.
Fiber optic signal amplifier using thermoelectric power generation
Hart, Mark M.
1995-01-01
A remote fiber optic signal amplifier for use as a repeater/amplifier, such as in transoceanic communications, powered by a Pu.sub.238 or Sr.sub.90 thermoelectric generator. The amplifier comprises a unit with connections on the receiving and sending sides of the communications system, and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier connecting each sending fiber to each receiving fiber. The thermoelectric generator, preferably a Pu.sub.238 or Sr.sub.90 thermoelectric generator delivers power to the amplifiers through a regulator. The heat exchange surfaces of the thermoelectric generator are made of materials resistant to corrosion and biological growth and are directly exposed to the outside, such as the ocean water in transoceanic communications.
Bulk and integrated acousto-optic spectrometers for radio astronomy
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chin, G.; Buhl, D.; Florez, J. M.
1981-01-01
The development of sensitive heterodyne receivers (front end) in the centimeter and millimeter range, and the construction of sensitive RF spectrometers (back end) enable the spectral lines of interstellar molecules to be detected and identified. A technique was developed which combines acoustic bending of a collimated coherent light beam by a Bragg cell followed by detection by a sensitive array of photodetectors (thus forming an RF acousto-optic spectrometer (AOS). An AOS has wide bandwidth, large number of channels, and high resolution, and is compact, lightweight, and energy efficient. The thrust of receiver development is towards high frequency heterodyne systems, particularly in the millimeter, submillimeter, far infrared, and 10 micron spectral ranges.
Power selective optical filter devices and optical systems using same
Koplow, Jeffrey P
2014-10-07
In an embodiment, a power selective optical filter device includes an input polarizer for selectively transmitting an input signal. The device includes a wave-plate structure positioned to receive the input signal, which includes at least one substantially zero-order, zero-wave plate. The zero-order, zero-wave plate is configured to alter a polarization state of the input signal passing in a manner that depends on the power of the input signal. The zero-order, zero-wave plate includes an entry and exit wave plate each having a fast axis, with the fast axes oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Each entry wave plate is oriented relative to a transmission axis of the input polarizer at a respective angle. An output polarizer is positioned to receive a signal output from the wave-plate structure and selectively transmits the signal based on the polarization state.
Simulative Investigation on the Effect of Different Parameters on the Performance of IsOWC System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Singh, Mehtab
2017-08-01
Inter-satellite communication links are very crucial between satellites orbiting around the earth in order to transmit information between them and also for the purpose of data relaying from one satellite station to other stations and ground stations. Inter-satellite optical wireless communication (IsOWC) links involve the application of optical wireless signals as compared to radio frequency signals used in traditional satellite communication systems. One of the major problems leading to the performance degradation of IsOWC link is the signal degradation due to satellite vibrations also known as pointing errors. In this paper, the performance of an IsOWC communication link has been investigated for different system parameters such as data transmission rates, antenna aperture diameter, transmission power levels, operating wavelength and responsivity of photodiode by analyzing Q-factor, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and total power of received signal to mitigate the effects of signal degradation of received signal due to satellite vibrations.
NASA Tech Briefs, November 2013
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2013-01-01
Topics include: Cryogenic Liquid Sample Acquisition System for Remote Space Applications; 5 Spatial Statistical Data Fusion (SSDF); GPS Estimates of Integrated Precipitable Water Aid Weather Forecasters; Integrating a Microwave Radiometer into Radar Hardware for Simultaneous Data Collection Between the Instruments; Rapid Detection of Herpes Viruses for Clinical Applications; High-Speed Data Recorder for Space, Geodesy, and Other High-Speed Recording Applications; Datacasting V3.0; An All-Solid-State, Room-Temperature, Heterodyne Receiver for Atmospheric Spectroscopy at 1.2 THz; Stacked Transformer for Driver Gain and Receive Signal Splitting; Wireless Integrated Microelectronic Vacuum Sensor System; Fabrication Method for LOBSTER-Eye Optics in <110> Silicon; Compact Focal Plane Assembly for Planetary Science; Fabrication Methods for Adaptive Deformable Mirrors; Visiting Vehicle Ground Trajectory Tool; Workflow-Based Software Development Environment; Mobile Thread Task Manager; A Kinematic Calibration Process for Flight Robotic Arms; Magnetostrictive Alternator; Bulk Metallic Glasses and Composites for Optical and Compliant Mechanisms; Detection of Only Viable Bacterial Spores Using a Live/Dead Indicator in Mixed Populations; and Intravenous Fluid Generation System.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ma, Jing; Fu, Yulong; Tan, Liying; Yu, Siyuan; Xie, Xiaolong
2018-05-01
Spatial diversity as an effective technique to mitigate the turbulence fading has been widely utilized in free space optical (FSO) communication systems. The received signals, however, will suffer from channel correlation due to insufficient spacing between component antennas. In this paper, the new expressions of the channel correlation coefficient and specifically its components (the large- and small-scale channel correlation coefficients) for a plane wave with aperture effects are derived for horizontal link in moderate-to-strong turbulence, using a non-Kolmogorov spectrum that has a generalized power law in the range of 3-4 instead of the fixed classical Kolmogorov power law of 11/3. And then the influence of power law variations on the channel correlation coefficient and its components are analysed. The numerical results indicated that various value of the power law lead to varying effects on the channel correlation coefficient and its components. This work will help with the further investigation on the fading correlation in spatial diversity systems.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Schaefer, S.; Gregory, M.; Rosenkranz, W.
2017-09-01
Due to higher data rates, better data security and unlicensed spectral usage optical inter-satellite links (OISL) offer an attractive alternative to conventional RF-communication. However, the very high transmission distances necessitate an optical receiver design enabling high receiver sensitivity which requires careful carrier synchronization and a quasi-coherent detection scheme.
Chen, Mo; Liu, Chao; Rui, Daoman; Xian, Hao
2018-02-19
Although there is an urgent demand, it is still a tremendous challenge to use the coherent optical communication technology to the satellite-to-ground data transmission system especially at large zenith angle due to the influence of atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive optics (AO) is a considerable scheme to solve the problem. In this paper, we integrate the adaptive optics (AO) to the coherent laser communications and the performances of mixing efficiency as well as bit-error-rate (BER) at different zenith angles are studied. The analytical results show that the increasing of zenith angle can severely decrease the performances of the coherent detection, and increase the BER to higher than 10 -3 , which is unacceptable. The simulative results of coherent detection with AO compensation indicate that the larger mixing efficiency and lower BER can be performed by the coherent receiver with a high-mode AO compensation. The experiment of correcting the atmospheric turbulence wavefront distortion using a 249-element AO system at large zenith angles is carried out. The result demonstrates that the AO system has a significant improvement on satellite-to-ground coherent optical communication system at large zenith angle. It also indicates that the 249-element AO system can only meet the needs of coherent communication systems at zenith angle smaller than 65̊ for the 1.8m telescope under weak and moderate turbulence.
Photonic-powered cable assembly
Sanderson, Stephen N.; Appel, Titus James; Wrye, IV, Walter C.
2013-01-22
A photonic-cable assembly includes a power source cable connector ("PSCC") coupled to a power receive cable connector ("PRCC") via a fiber cable. The PSCC electrically connects to a first electronic device and houses a photonic power source and an optical data transmitter. The fiber cable includes an optical transmit data path coupled to the optical data transmitter, an optical power path coupled to the photonic power source, and an optical feedback path coupled to provide feedback control to the photonic power source. The PRCC electrically connects to a second electronic device and houses an optical data receiver coupled to the optical transmit data path, a feedback controller coupled to the optical feedback path to control the photonic power source, and a photonic power converter coupled to the optical power path to convert photonic energy received over the optical power path to electrical energy to power components of the PRCC.
Photonic-powered cable assembly
Sanderson, Stephen N; Appel, Titus James; Wrye, IV, Walter C
2014-06-24
A photonic-cable assembly includes a power source cable connector ("PSCC") coupled to a power receive cable connector ("PRCC") via a fiber cable. The PSCC electrically connects to a first electronic device and houses a photonic power source and an optical data transmitter. The fiber cable includes an optical transmit data path coupled to the optical data transmitter, an optical power path coupled to the photonic power source, and an optical feedback path coupled to provide feedback control to the photonic power source. The PRCC electrically connects to a second electronic device and houses an optical data receiver coupled to the optical transmit data path, a feedback controller coupled to the optical feedback path to control the photonic power source, and a photonic power converter coupled to the optical power path to convert photonic energy received over the optical power path to electrical energy to power components of the PRCC.
Simple Laser Communications Terminal for Downlink from Earth Orbit at Rates Exceeding 10 Gb/s
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kovalik, Joseph M.; Hemmati, Hamid; Biswas, Abhijit; Roberts, William T.
2013-01-01
A compact, low-cost laser communications transceiver was prototyped for downlinking data at 10 Gb/s from Earth-orbiting spacecraft. The design can be implemented using flight-grade parts. With emphasis on simplicity, compactness, and light weight of the flight transceiver, the reduced-complexity design and development approach involves: 1. A high-bandwidth coarse wavelength division multiplexed (CWDM) (4 2.5 or 10-Gb/s data-rate) downlink transmitter. To simplify the system, emphasis is on the downlink. Optical uplink data rate is modest (due to existing and adequate RF uplink capability). 2. Highly simplified and compact 5-cm diameter clear aperture optics assembly is configured to single transmit and receive aperture laser signals. About 2 W of 4-channel multiplexed (1,540 to 1,555 nm) optically amplified laser power is coupled to the optical assembly through a fiber optic cable. It contains a highly compact, precision-pointing capability two-axis gimbal assembly to coarse point the optics assembly. A fast steering mirror, built into the optical path of the optical assembly, is used to remove residual pointing disturbances from the gimbal. Acquisition, pointing, and tracking are assisted by a beacon laser transmitted from the ground and received by the optical assembly, which will allow transmission of a laser beam. 3. Shifting the link burden to the ground by relying on direct detection optical receivers retrofitted to 1-m-diameter ground telescopes. 4. Favored mass and volume reduction over power-consumption reduction. The two major variables that are available include laser transmit power at either end of the link, and telescope aperture diameter at each end of the link. Increased laser power is traded for smaller-aperture diameters. 5. Use of commercially available spacequalified or qualifiable components with traceability to flight qualification (i.e., a flight-qualified version is commercially available). An example is use of Telecordia-qualified fiber optic communication components including active components (lasers, amplifiers, photodetectors) that, except for vacuum and radiation, meet most of the qualifications required for space. 6. Use of CWDM technique at the flight transmitter for operation at four channels (each at 2.5 Gb/s or a total of 10 Gb/s data rate). Applying this technique allows utilization of larger active area photodetectors at the ground station. This minimizes atmospheric scintillation/turbulence induced losses on the received beam at the ground terminal. 7. Use of forward-error-correction and deep-interleaver codes to minimize atmospheric turbulence effects on the downlink beam. Target mass and power consumption for the flight data transmitter system is less than 10 kg and approximately 60 W for the 400-km orbit (900-km slant range), and 12 kg and 120 W for the 2,000-km orbit (6,000-km slant range). The higher mass and power for the latter are the result of employing a higher-power laser only.
Methods and systems for detection of ice formation on surfaces
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Alfano, Robert R. (Inventor); Wang, Wubao (Inventor); Sztul, Henry (Inventor); Budansky, Yury (Inventor)
2007-01-01
A system for detecting ice formation on metal, painted metal and other material surfaces can include a transparent window having an exterior surface upon which ice can form; a light source and optics configured and arranged to illuminate the exterior surface of the window from behind the exterior surface; and a detector and optics configured and arranged to receive light backscattered by the exterior surface and any ice disposed on the exterior surface and determine the thickness of the ice layer. For example, the system can be used with aircraft by placing one or more windows in the wings of the aircraft. The system is used for a novel optical method for real-time on-board detection and warning of ice formation on surfaces of airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other vehicles and stationary structures to improve their safety and operation.
A wireless breathing-training support system for kinesitherapy.
Tawa, Hiroki; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Maki, Hiromichi; Ogawa, Hidekuni; Ninomiya, Ishio; Sada, Kouji; Hamada, Shingo; Caldwell, W Morton
2009-01-01
We have developed a new wireless breathing-training support system for kinesitherapy. The system consists of an optical sensor, an accelerometer, a microcontroller, a Bluetooth module and a laptop computer. The optical sensor, which is attached to the patient's chest, measures chest circumference. The low frequency components of circumference are mainly generated by breathing. The optical sensor outputs the circumference as serial digital data. The accelerometer measures the dynamic acceleration force produced by exercise, such as walking. The microcontroller sequentially samples this force. The acceleration force and chest circumference are sent sequentially via Bluetooth to a physical therapist's laptop computer, which receives and stores the data. The computer simultaneously displays these data so that the physical therapist can monitor the patient's breathing and acceleration waveforms and give instructions to the patient in real time during exercise. Moreover, the system enables a quantitative training evaluation and calculation the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs.
Optical distribution of local oscillators in future telecommunication satellite payloads
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Benazet, Benoît; Sotom, Michel; Maignan, Michel; Berthon, Jacques
2017-11-01
The distribution of high spectral purity reference signals over optical fibre in future telecommunication satellite payloads is presented. Several types of applications are considered, including the distribution of a reference frequency at 10 MHz (Ultra-Stable Reference Oscillator) as well as the distribution of a radiofrequency oscillator around 800 MHz (Master Local Oscillator). The results of both experimental and theoretical studies are reported. In order to meet phase noise requirements for the USRO distribution, the use of an optimised receiver circuit based on an optically synchronised oscillator is investigated. Finally, the optical distribution of microwave local oscillators at frequencies exceeding 20 GHz is described. Such a scheme paves the way to more advanced sub-systems involving optical frequency-mixing and optical transmission of microwave signals, with applications to multiple-beam active antennas.
General optical discrete z transform: design and application.
Ngo, Nam Quoc
2016-12-20
This paper presents a generalization of the discrete z transform algorithm. It is shown that the GOD-ZT algorithm is a generalization of several important conventional discrete transforms. Based on the GOD-ZT algorithm, a tunable general optical discrete z transform (GOD-ZT) processor is synthesized using the silica-based finite impulse response transversal filter. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, the design and simulation of a tunable optical discrete Fourier transform (ODFT) processor as a special case of the synthesized GOD-ZT processor is presented. It is also shown that the ODFT processor can function as a real-time optical spectrum analyzer. The tunable ODFT has an important potential application as a tunable optical demultiplexer at the receiver end of an optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing transmission system.
System and method for optically locating microchannel positions
Brewer, Laurence R.; Kimbrough, Joseph; Balch, Joseph; Davidson, J. Courtney
2001-01-01
A system and method is disclosed for optically locating a microchannel position. A laser source generates a primary laser beam which is directed at a microchannel plate. The microchannel plates include microchannels at various locations. A back-reflectance beam detector receives a back-reflected beam from the plate. The back-reflected beam is generated when the primary beam reflects off of the plate. A photodiode circuit generates a trigger signal when the back-reflected beam exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating a presence of the microchannel. The method of the present invention includes the steps of generating a primary beam, directing the primary beam to a plate containing a microchannel, receiving from the plate a back-reflected beam generated in response to the primary beam, and generating a trigger signal when the back-reflected beam exceeds a predetermined threshold which corresponds to a presence of the microchannel.
Reflected Sunlight Reduction and Characterization for a Deep-Space Optical Receiver Antenna (DSORA)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Clymer, B. D.
1990-01-01
A baffle system for the elimination of first-order specular and diffuse reflection of sunlight from the sunshade of a deep-space optical receiver telescope is presented. This baffle system consists of rings of 0.5cm blades spaced 2.5 cm apart on the walls of GO hexagonal sunshade tubes that combine to form the telescope sunshade. The shadow cast by the blades, walls, and rims of the tubes prevent all first-order reflections of direct sunlight from reaching the primary mirror of the telescope. A reflection model of the sunshade without baffles is also presented for comparison. Since manufacturers of absorbing surfaces do not measure data near grazing incidence, the reflection properties at anticipated angles of incidence must be characterized. A description of reflection from matte surfaces in term of bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) is presented along with a discussion of measuring BRDF near grazing incidence.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sahu, Sanjay Kumar; Shanmugam, Palanisamy
2018-02-01
Scattering by water molecules and particulate matters determines the path and distance of photon propagation in underwater medium. Consequently, photon angle of scattering (given by scattering phase function) requires to be considered in addition to the extinction coefficient of the aquatic medium governed by the absorption and scattering coefficients in channel characterization for an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system. This study focuses on analyzing the received signal power and impulse response of UWOC channel based on Monte-Carlo simulations for different water types, link distances, link geometries and transceiver parameters. A newly developed scattering phase function (referred to as SS phase function), which represents the real water types more accurately like the Petzold phase function, is considered for quantification of the channel characteristics along with the effects of absorption and scattering coefficients. A comparison between the results simulated using various phase function models and the experimental measurements of Petzold revealed that the SS phase function model predicts values closely matching with the actual values of the Petzold's phase function, which further establishes the importance of using a correct scattering phase function model while estimating the channel capacity of UWOC system in terms of the received power and channel impulse response. Results further demonstrate a great advantage of considering the nonzero probability of receiving scattered photons in estimating channel capacity rather than considering the reception of only ballistic photons as in Beer's Law, which severely underestimates the received power and affects the range of communication especially in the scattering water column. The received power computed based on the Monte-Carlo method by considering the receiver aperture sizes and field of views in different water types are further analyzed and discussed. These results are essential for evaluating the underwater link budget and constructing different system and design parameters for an UWOC system.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nappier, Jennifer M.; Zeleznikar, Daniel J.; Wroblewski, Adam C.; Tokars, Roger P.; Schoenholz, Bryan L.; Lantz, Nicholas C.
2017-01-01
The Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is investigating the merits of a hybrid radio frequency (RF) and optical communication system for deep space missions. In an effort to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of a hybrid RF/Optical software defined radio (SDR), a laboratory prototype was assembled from primarily commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware components. This COTS platform has been used to demonstrate simultaneous transmission of the radio and optical communications waveforms through to the physical layer (telescope and antenna). This paper details the hardware and software used in the platform and various measures of its performance. A laboratory optical receiver platform has also been assembled in order to demonstrate hybrid free space links in combination with the transmitter.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pan, Xiaolong; Liu, Bo; Zheng, Jianglong; Tian, Qinghua
2016-08-01
We propose and demonstrate a low complexity Reed-Solomon-based low-density parity-check (RS-LDPC) code with adaptive puncturing decoding algorithm for elastic optical transmission system. Partial received codes and the relevant column in parity-check matrix can be punctured to reduce the calculation complexity by adaptive parity-check matrix during decoding process. The results show that the complexity of the proposed decoding algorithm is reduced by 30% compared with the regular RS-LDPC system. The optimized code rate of the RS-LDPC code can be obtained after five times iteration.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Huiqin; Wang, Xue; Lynette, Kibe; Cao, Minghua
2018-06-01
The performance of multiple-input multiple-output wireless optical communication systems that adopt Q-ary pulse position modulation over spatial correlated log-normal fading channel is analyzed in terms of its un-coded bit error rate and ergodic channel capacity. The analysis is based on the Wilkinson's method which approximates the distribution of a sum of correlated log-normal random variables to a log-normal random variable. The analytical and simulation results corroborate the increment of correlation coefficients among sub-channels lead to system performance degradation. Moreover, the receiver diversity has better performance in resistance of spatial correlation caused channel fading.
Erythropoietin in Treatment of Methanol Optic Neuropathy.
Pakdel, Farzad; Sanjari, Mostafa S; Naderi, Asieh; Pirmarzdashti, Niloofar; Haghighi, Anousheh; Kashkouli, Mohsen B
2018-06-01
Methanol poisoning can cause an optic neuropathy that is usually severe and irreversible and often occurs after ingestion of illicit or homemade alcoholic beverages. In this study, we evaluated the potential neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on visual acuity (VA) in patients with methanol optic neuropathy. In a prospective, noncomparative interventional case series, consecutive patients with methanol optic neuropathy after alcoholic beverage ingestion were included. All patients initially received systemic therapy including metabolic stabilization and detoxification. Treatment with intravenous recombinant human EPO consisted of 20,000 units/day for 3 successive days. Depending on clinical response, some patients received a second course of EPO. VA, funduscopy, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were assessed during the study. Main outcome measure was VA. Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients with methanol optic neuropathy were included. Mean age was 34.2 years (±13.3 years). The mean time interval between methanol ingestion and treatment with intravenous EPO was 9.1 days (±5.56 days). Mean follow-up after treatment was 7.5 months (±5.88 months). Median VA in the better eye of each patient before treatment was light perception (range: 3.90-0.60 logMAR). Median last acuity after treatment in the best eye was 1.00 logMAR (range: 3.90-0.00 logMAR). VA significantly increased in the last follow-up examination (P < 0.0001). Age and time to EPO treatment after methanol ingestion were not significantly related to final VA. No ocular or systemic complications occurred in our patient cohort. Intravenous EPO appears to improve VA in patients with methanol optic neuropathy and may represent a promising treatment for this disorder.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cao, Jingtai; Zhao, Xiaohui; Li, Zhaokun; Liu, Wei; Gu, Haijun
2017-11-01
The performance of free space optical (FSO) communication system is limited by atmospheric turbulent extremely. Adaptive optics (AO) is the significant method to overcome the atmosphere disturbance. Especially, for the strong scintillation effect, the sensor-less AO system plays a major role for compensation. In this paper, a modified artificial fish school (MAFS) algorithm is proposed to compensate the aberrations in the sensor-less AO system. Both the static and dynamic aberrations compensations are analyzed and the performance of FSO communication before and after aberrations compensations is compared. In addition, MAFS algorithm is compared with artificial fish school (AFS) algorithm, stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm and simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. It is shown that the MAFS algorithm has a higher convergence speed than SPGD algorithm and SA algorithm, and reaches the better convergence value than AFS algorithm, SPGD algorithm and SA algorithm. The sensor-less AO system with MAFS algorithm effectively increases the coupling efficiency at the receiving terminal with fewer numbers of iterations. In conclusion, the MAFS algorithm has great significance for sensor-less AO system to compensate atmospheric turbulence in FSO communication system.
Wave-optics modeling of the optical-transport line for passive optical stochastic cooling
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Andorf, M. B.; Lebedev, V. A.; Piot, P.; Ruan, J.
2018-03-01
Optical stochastic cooling (OSC) is expected to enable fast cooling of dense particle beams. Transition from microwave to optical frequencies enables an achievement of stochastic cooling rates which are orders of magnitude higher than ones achievable with the classical microwave based stochastic cooling systems. A subsystemcritical to the OSC scheme is the focusing optics used to image radiation from the upstream "pickup" undulator to the downstream "kicker" undulator. In this paper, we present simulation results using wave-optics calculation carried out with the SYNCHROTRON RADIATION WORKSHOP (SRW). Our simulations are performed in support to a proof-of-principle experiment planned at the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) at Fermilab. The calculations provide an estimate of the energy kick received by a 100-MeV electron as it propagates in the kicker undulator and interacts with the electromagnetic pulse it radiated at an earlier time while traveling through the pickup undulator.
IF digitization receiver of wideband digital array radar test-bed
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Weixing; Zhang, Yue; Lin, Jianzhi; Chen, Zengping
2014-10-01
In this paper, an X-band, 8-element wideband digital array radar (DAR) test-bed is presented, which makes use of a novel digital backend coupled with highly-integrated, multi-channel intermediate frequency (IF) digital receiver. Radar returns are received by the broadband antenna and then down-converted to the IF of 0.6GHz-3.0GHz. Four band-pass filters are applied in the front-end to divide the IF returns into four frequency bands with the instantaneous bandwidth of 500MHz. Every four array elements utilize a digital receiver, which is focused in this paper. The digital receivers are designed in a compact and flexible manner to meet the demands of DAR system. Each receiver consists of a fourchannel ADC, a high-performance FPGA, four DDR3 chips and two optical transceivers. With the sampling rate of up to 1.2GHz each channel, the ADC is capable of directly sampling the IF returns of four array elements at 10bits. In addition to serving as FIFO and controller, the onboard FPGA is also utilized for the implementation of various real-time algorithms such as DDC and channel calibration. Data is converted to bit stream and transferred through two low overhead, high data rate and multi-channel optical transceivers. Key technologies such as channel calibration and wideband DOA are studied with the measured data which is obtained in the experiments to illustrate the functionality of the system.
Super-Nyquist shaping and processing technologies for high-spectral-efficiency optical systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jia, Zhensheng; Chien, Hung-Chang; Zhang, Junwen; Dong, Ze; Cai, Yi; Yu, Jianjun
2013-12-01
The implementations of super-Nyquist pulse generation, both in a digital field using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or an optical filter at transmitter side, are introduced. Three corresponding signal processing algorithms at receiver are presented and compared for high spectral-efficiency (SE) optical systems employing the spectral prefiltering. Those algorithms are designed for the mitigation towards inter-symbol-interference (ISI) and inter-channel-interference (ICI) impairments by the bandwidth constraint, including 1-tap constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and 3-tap maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE), regular CMA and digital filter with 2-tap MLSE, and constant multi-modulus algorithm (CMMA) with 2-tap MLSE. The principles and prefiltering tolerance are given through numerical and experimental results.
PPM Receiver Implemented in Software
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gray, Andrew; Kang, Edward; Lay, Norman; Vilnrotter, Victor; Srinivasan, Meera; Lee, Clement
2010-01-01
A computer program has been written as a tool for developing optical pulse-position- modulation (PPM) receivers in which photodetector outputs are fed to analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and all subsequent signal processing is performed digitally. The program can be used, for example, to simulate an all-digital version of the PPM receiver described in Parallel Processing of Broad-Band PPM Signals (NPO-40711), which appears elsewhere in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs. The program can also be translated into a design for digital PPM receiver hardware. The most notable innovation embodied in the software and the underlying PPM-reception concept is a digital processing subsystem that performs synchronization of PPM time slots, even though the digital processing is, itself, asynchronous in the sense that no attempt is made to synchronize it with the incoming optical signal a priori and there is no feedback to analog signal processing subsystems or ADCs. Functions performed by the software receiver include time-slot synchronization, symbol synchronization, coding preprocessing, and diagnostic functions. The program is written in the MATLAB and Simulink software system. The software receiver is highly parameterized and, hence, programmable: for example, slot- and symbol-synchronization filters have programmable bandwidths.
Enclosed, off-axis solar concentrator
Benitez, Pablo; Grip, Robert E; Minano, Juan C; Narayanan, Authi A; Plesniak, Adam; Schwartz, Joel A
2013-11-26
A solar concentrator including a housing having receiving wall, a reflecting wall and at least two end walls, the receiving, reflecting and end walls defining a three-dimensional volume having an inlet, wherein a vertical axis of the housing is generally perpendicular to the inlet, a receiver mounted on the receiving wall of the housing, the receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein a vertical axis of the receiver is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the housing, at least one clip disposed on the reflecting wall an optical element received within the three-dimensional volume, the optical element including at least one tab, the tab being engaged by the clip to align the optical element with the receiver, and a window received over the inlet to enclose the housing.
Holistic design in high-speed optical interconnects
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Saeedi, Saman
Integrated circuit scaling has enabled a huge growth in processing capability, which necessitates a corresponding increase in inter-chip communication bandwidth. As bandwidth requirements for chip-to-chip interconnection scale, deficiencies of electrical channels become more apparent. Optical links present a viable alternative due to their low frequency-dependent loss and higher bandwidth density in the form of wavelength division multiplexing. As integrated photonics and bonding technologies are maturing, commercialization of hybrid-integrated optical links are becoming a reality. Increasing silicon integration leads to better performance in optical links but necessitates a corresponding co-design strategy in both electronics and photonics. In this light, holistic design of high-speed optical links with an in-depth understanding of photonics and state-of-the-art electronics brings their performance to unprecedented levels. This thesis presents developments in high-speed optical links by co-designing and co-integrating the primary elements of an optical link: receiver, transmitter, and clocking. In the first part of this thesis a 3D-integrated CMOS/Silicon-photonic receiver will be presented. The electronic chip features a novel design that employs a low-bandwidth TIA front-end, double-sampling and equalization through dynamic offset modulation. Measured results show -14.9dBm of sensitivity and energy eciency of 170fJ/b at 25Gb/s. The same receiver front-end is also used to implement source-synchronous 4-channel WDM-based parallel optical receiver. Quadrature ILO-based clocking is employed for synchronization and a novel frequency-tracking method that exploits the dynamics of IL in a quadrature ring oscillator to increase the effective locking range. An adaptive body-biasing circuit is designed to maintain the per-bit-energy consumption constant across wide data-rates. The prototype measurements indicate a record-low power consumption of 153fJ/b at 32Gb/s. The receiver sensitivity is measured to be -8.8dBm at 32Gb/s. Next, on the optical transmitter side, three new techniques will be presented. First one is a differential ring modulator that breaks the optical bandwidth/quality factor trade-off known to limit the speed of high-Q ring modulators. This structure maintains a constant energy in the ring to avoid pattern-dependent power droop. As a first proof of concept, a prototype has been fabricated and measured up to 10Gb/s. The second technique is thermal stabilization of micro-ring resonator modulators through direct measurement of temperature using a monolithic PTAT temperature sensor. The measured temperature is used in a feedback loop to adjust the thermal tuner of the ring. A prototype is fabricated and a closed-loop feedback system is demonstrated to operate at 20Gb/s in the presence of temperature fluctuations. The third technique is a switched-capacitor based pre-emphasis technique designed to extend the inherently low bandwidth of carrier injection micro-ring modulators. A measured prototype of the optical transmitter achieves energy efficiency of 342fJ/bit at 10Gb/s and the wavelength stabilization circuit based on the monolithic PTAT sensor consumes 0.29mW. Lastly, a first-order frequency synthesizer that is suitable for high-speed on-chip clock generation will be discussed. The proposed design features an architecture combining an LC quadrature VCO, two sample-and-holds, a PI, digital coarse-tuning, and rotational frequency detection for fine-tuning. In addition to an electrical reference clock, as an extra feature, the prototype chip is capable of receiving a low jitter optical reference clock generated by a high-repetition-rate mode-locked laser. The output clock at 8GHz has an integrated RMS jitter of 490fs, peak-to-peak periodic jitter of 2.06ps, and total RMS jitter of 680fs. The reference spurs are measured to be 64.3dB below the carrier frequency. At 8GHz the system consumes 2.49mW from a 1V supply.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, CHIEN-C.; Hui, Elliot; Okamoto, Garret
1992-01-01
Spatial acquisition using the sun-lit Earth as a beacon source provides several advantages over active beacon-based systems for deep-space optical communication systems. However, since the angular extend of the Earth image is large compared to the laser beam divergence, the acquisition subsystem must be capable of resolving the image to derive the proper pointing orientation. The algorithms used must be capable of deducing the receiver location given the blurring introduced by the imaging optics and the large Earth albedo fluctuation. Furthermore, because of the complexity of modelling the Earth and the tracking algorithms, an accurate estimate of the algorithm accuracy can only be made via simulation using realistic Earth images. An image simulator was constructed for this purpose, and the results of the simulation runs are reported.
Free-space to few-mode-fiber coupling under atmospheric turbulence.
Zheng, Donghao; Li, Yan; Chen, Erhu; Li, Beibei; Kong, Deming; Li, Wei; Wu, Jian
2016-08-08
High speed free space optical communication (FSOC) has taken advantages of components developed for fiber-optic communication systems. Recently, with the rapid development of few-mode-fiber based fiber communication systems, few-mode-fiber components might further promote their applications in FSOC system. The coupling efficiency between free space optical beam and few-mode fibers under atmospheric turbulence effect are investigated in this paper. Both simulation and experimental results show that, compared with single-mode fiber, the coupling efficiencies for a 2-mode fiber and a 4-mode fiber are improved by ~4 dB and ~7 dB respectively in the presence of medium moderate and strong turbulence. Compared with single-mode fiber, the relative standard deviation of received power is restrained by 51% and 66% respectively with a 4-mode and 2-mode fiber.
Homodyne Phase-Shift-Keying Systems: Past Challenges and Future Opportunities
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kazovsky, Leonid G.; Kalogerakis, Georgios; Shaw, Wei-Tao
2006-12-01
Homodyne phase-shift-keying systems can achieve the best receiver sensitivity and the longest transmission distance among all optical communication systems. This paper reviews recent research efforts in the field and examines future possibilities that might lead toward potential practical use of these systems. Additionally, phase estimation techniques based on feed-forward phase recovery and digital delay-lock loop approaches are examined, simulated, and compared.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Hagans, K.G.; Clough, R.E.
2000-04-25
An optical key system comprises a battery-operated optical key and an isolated lock that derives both its operating power and unlock signals from the correct optical key. A light emitting diode or laser diode is included within the optical key and is connected to transmit a bit-serial password. The key user physically enters either the code-to-transmit directly, or an index to a pseudorandom number code, in the key. Such person identification numbers can be retained permanently, or ephemeral. When a send button is pressed, the key transmits a beam of light modulated with the password information. The modulated beam ofmore » light is received by a corresponding optical lock with a photovoltaic cell that produces enough power from the beam of light to operate a password-screen digital logic. In one application, an acceptable password allows a two watt power laser diode to pump ignition and timing information over a fiberoptic cable into a sealed engine compartment. The receipt of a good password allows the fuel pump, spark, and starter systems to each operate. Therefore, bypassing the lock mechanism as is now routine with automobile thieves is pointless because the engine is so thoroughly disabled.« less