Radiofotonics in satellite navigation and communication problems

Abstract

The article presents an analytical overview of the achievements in the development of methods, devices and assemblies of radio frequency photonics. New possibilities are revealed that are opened by the use of technologies for the generation, formation and processing of optical signals in radio frequency devices. Structures and characteristics are considered.Schemes and parameters of optical frequency standards based on femtosecond lasers with a scheme for frequency stability transfer to the radio-frequency range, made on the basis of fiber-optical technologies are presented. The article shows that such standards ensure the stability of the frequency of reference signals by one to three orders of magnitude higher than in typical frequency standards. The use of fiber optic designs of such standards allows creating on-board satellite navigation and communication systems with frequency stability of the order of 10–18 for averaging time of about 100 s.The review shows the results of the practical development and application of new optical frequency and time standards for improving the means and networks of time-frequency provision on the Earth and in outer space in solving problems of navigation, metrology and astrophysical research.