Open AccessFree-space laser communication system with rapid acquisition based on astronomical telescopes
Author(s) -
Jianmin Wang,
Junyi Lv,
Guang Zhao,
Gang Wang
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.020655
Subject(s) - free space optical communication , optics , telescope , optical telescope , physics , optical communication , laser guide star , computer science , software , communications system , laser , wavelength , optical path , remote sensing , telecommunications , programming language , geology
The general structure of a free-space optical (FSO) communication system based on astronomical telescopes is proposed. The light path for astronomical observation and for communication can be easily switched. A separate camera is used as a star sensor to determine the pointing direction of the optical terminal's antenna. The new system exhibits rapid acquisition and is widely applicable in various astronomical telescope systems and wavelengths. We present a detailed analysis of the acquisition time, which can be decreased by one order of magnitude compared with traditional optical communication systems. Furthermore, we verify software algorithms and tracking accuracy.