Laser Communication Research Articles

High power spectral beam combining based on four long-wave infrared quantum cascade laser emitters

In this study, we experimentally investigate spectral beam combining based on four long-wave infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with three dichroic mirrors. The coating curves of the dichroic mirrors were finely designed according to the output spectrum of the four adopted QCLs, whose central wavelength locates in 7.5 μm, 8.3 μm, 9.0 μm and 10.2 μm, respectively. At room temperature the highest combined power reaches as high as 2.39 W, corresponding to a combining efficiency of 83.0 %, and meanwhile, the combined beam keeps a high beam quality with average M2 of 1.78. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output power among spectral beam combining for QCLs. Due to the advantage of wide spectral range, high power, high beam quality and compact size, this demonstration may meet the demands of medical diagnosis, remote sensing, free-space optical communication and military application.

Estimated time dispersion and delay through free space optics transceiver communications performance signature in the presence of adverse atmospheric conditions

Estimated time dispersion and delay through free space optics transceiver communications performance signature in the presence of adverse atmospheric conditions

Simultaneous transmission of multi-format signals in the mid-infrared over free space

Mid-infrared (MIR) light within the 3–5 μm spectrum offers distinct advantages over the 1.5 μm band, particularly in adverse atmospheric conditions, rendering it a favorable option for free-space optical (FSO) communication. The transmission capacity within the 3–5 μm band is relatively low due to the immature state of its devices. In this study, we demonstrate multi-format signals FSO transmission with a total of 40 Gbps capacity in the 3 μm band, utilizing our developed MIR transmitter and receiver modules. These modules facilitate wavelength conversion between the 1.5 μm and 3 μm bands through the utilization of difference-frequency generation (DFG) effect. The MIR transmitter effectively produces three MIR signals: On-Off Keying (OOK), Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) optical signals. The generated MIR power is 7.8 dBm, covering a wavelength range from 3.5864 to 3.5885 μm. The MIR receiver regenerates the three format signals with a power of −29.6 dBm. Relevant results of regenerated signal demodulation have been collected in detail, including bit error ratio (BER), constellation diagram, and eye diagram. The required powers for the 10 Gbps OOK, BPSK, and QPSK are −37.82, −40.24, and −39.4 dBm at BER of 1 × 10−6. It is expected to further push the data capacity to the terabit-per-second level by adding more 1.5 μm band laser sources and using wider-bandwidth chirped nonlinear crystals.

Optimization of the inverted "T"-shaped double-layer subwavelength grating design integrated on an InSb detector

Polarization detectors have significant applications in fields such as target background contrast enhancement and free-space optical communication. While the technology for polarization detection using polarizers and waveplates added to detector lenses is well-established, there is still limited research on on-chip integrated polarization detection based on hypersurface technology. In this paper, we present a novel inverted "T"-shaped double-layer subwavelength grating structure, integrated into an InSb detector for polarization detection in the mid-infrared wavelength region (3–5 μm). This structure primarily consists of a high refractive index dielectric layer and a subwavelength grating layer, which together improve the grating's transmittance and extinction ratio. Using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we simulate and optimize the effects of various grating parameters on polarization performance. The results show that the optimized grating achieves a TM wave transmittance of nearly 80% within the 3–5 μm wavelength range, with an extinction ratio exceeding 45 dB, and is suitable for a wide range of incidence angles from 0° to 70°.

Chip-scale optical phased array for broadband two-dimensional beam steering at visible wavelengths

An optical phased array (OPA) on a chip, as a novel non-mechanical beam steering technique, has attracted much attention in various applications. However, due to the challenges in fabrication and the limited transparency window of the material for visible wavelengths, current OPAs are mainly focuses on the infrared wavelengths. Despite the progress, the visible light OPAs remain the challenges to not only simultaneously work in blue, green and red light, but also implement beam steering in two dimensions for the single-wavelength. In this paper, an 8-channel broadband OPA is demonstrated, which enables two-dimensional beam steering in visible light. Along the longitudinal direction, the beam steering angle of 0.7° at 585 nm is achieved by tuning phase shifts. Along the transverse direction, the demonstrated OPA implements beam steering angle of 4.49° at 585 nm by tuning polarization degrees and 25.97° at 488–610 nm by tuning wavelengths. Therefore, the demonstrated OPA holds significant promise for commercial applications such as visual projection and free-space optical communications.

Bit error rate of M-pulse position modulated laser beams for vertical links operating in weak oceanic turbulence

Abstract The on-axis scintillation index of laser beams is investigated by employing the Rytov method in weakly turbulent oceanic medium for up/downlink coupling of laser communication between any underwater vehicles or divers. For vertical link, the formulation of the on-axis scintillation index of laser beams is derived analytically and evaluated for plane, collimated Gaussian and spherical beams in specific medium, including the Atlantic Ocean at mid and low latitudes associating temperature and salinity changes at low latitude, at mid latitude-summer and at mid latitude-winter. Using the scintillation index, bit error rate (BER) performances of M-pulse position modulation (M-PPM) are investigated for these types of laser beam. The variations of the scintillation index against the uplink/downlink propagation distances, source size and zenith angle are examined, and BER variations versus the Kolmogorov microscale and the symbol orders, and results are compared. It is noted that the behavior of the scintillation index that depends on the relative strength of temperature and salinity fluctuations which changes in depth, is different for uplink/downlink, and for each latitude due to its distinct characteristics. Source size that minimizes the scintillation index values is in the range of about 0.1 cm-0.2 cm for all latitudes.

Design of an on-chip germanium cavity for room-temperature infrared lasing

Germanium (Ge) is one of the most promising material platforms to enable the realization of monolithically integrated laser on silicon because it is a group-IV material with a pseudo-direct-band structure that can be converted into direct-bandgap either through the application of tensile strain or via the tin (Sn) incorporation in Ge. The bandgap modification enhances the light emission efficiency of Ge, where lasing can also be observed if a suitable cavity preserving the strain can be realized. In fact, several different research groups have reported lasing from strained Ge and GeSn optical cavities, however they all report lasing at low temperatures and room-temperature lasing, which is the ultimate goal required for a fully integrated laser, has not been demonstrated yet. In this work, we design an on-chip germanium cavity that has all the ingredients combined to make the room-temperature lasing possible. The design includes a 4.6% uniaxially tensile strained Ge gain medium embedded in a Fabry-Perot like cavity composed of two distributed Bragg reflectors. 3-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) based strain simulations together with a proposed fabrication methodology provides a guideline for the realization of the structure. Furthermore, 3D Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations demonstrate that the designed structure is suitable for the room-temperature lasing in a wavelength range of 2410–2570 nm. 3D FEM-based heat transfer simulations performed for the designed cavity verifies the eligibility of the room-temperature operation paving the way for a possible demonstration of on-chip laser that could take part in the fully integrated infrared systems for a variety of applications including biological and chemical sensing, as well as security such as alarm systems and free-space optical communications.

Vortex inverted pin beams: mitigation of scintillations in strong atmospheric turbulence.

We recently introduced a new class of optical beams with a Bessel-like transverse profile and increasing beam width during propagation, akin to an "inverted pin." Owing to their specially engineered distribution, these beams have shown remarkable performance in atmospheric turbulence. Specifically, inverted pin beams (PBs) were found to have a reduced scintillation index as compared to collimated or focused Gaussian beams as well as other types of pin beams especially in moderate to strong turbulence. In this work, we demonstrate that inverted pin beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) can further suppress intensity scintillations in moderate to strong irradiance fluctuation conditions. Our results can be useful in improving the performance and link availability of free-space optical communication systems.

Impact of crosstalk and atmospheric turbulence on free space optical communication systems - a hardware emulation

Impact of crosstalk and atmospheric turbulence on free space optical communication systems - a hardware emulation

Criteria for selection of point-ahead angle compensation strategy in intersatellite laser ranging interferometry of TianQin based on research of tilt-to-length coupling noise

TianQin is expected to deploy three spacecraft in Earth orbit at the altitude of about 1 × 108 m to form an equilateral triangular constellation with arm lengths of about 1.7 × 108 m. It is aimed at detecting gravitational waves in the frequency range from 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz by means of high sensitive laser ranging interferometry with pathlength measurement noise below 1 pm/Hz1/2. The long-range propagation of beam in the intersatellite laser ranging interferometry between the three spacecraft results in a non-negligible time delay of 0.58 s. Therefore, there is an angular difference between the optimal outgoing and incoming laser beam of laser ranging interferometry on each spacecraft, which is denoted as the point-ahead angle. Due to the relative motion between the three spacecraft, the point-ahead angle of TianQin constellation is approximately 22.96 μrad with a dynamic variation range of ±24.71 nrad. Point-ahead-angle mechanism is a fine steering mirror used for point-ahead angle compensation to diminish the beam pointing error, thus to maintain the intersatellite laser link as well as to diminish the tilt-to-length coupling noise, which are vital to the gravitational wave detection. Both the static and dynamic point-ahead angle compensation strategies can be used in TianQin and the selection of the two is based on minimizing the total point-ahead-angle-related tilt-to-length coupling noise. In this paper, a criteria for selection of the two strategies are proposed by establishing a model of point-ahead-angle-related tilt-to-length coupling noise as well as a corresponding evaluation function for calculation and comparison. The results indicate that the dynamic compensation strategy is the optimal choice only when the first-order tilt-to-length coupling coefficient of point-ahead-angle mechanism is less than 6.4 × 10−9 m/rad, otherwise the static compensation strategy should be used. The proposed criteria, as well as the model and the requirement for point-ahead-angle mechanism, can serve as a common theoretical basis in laser ranging interferometry applications.

One Raman DTS Interrogator Channel Supports a Dual Separate Path to Realize Spatial Duplexing.

Deploying distributed fiber-optic sensor (DFOS) technology to gather environmental parameters over expansive areas is an essential monitoring strategy in the context of comprehensive searches for anomalous places. This study utilizes a single temperature measurement channel within a commercial Raman-based distributed temperature sensing (RDTS) interrogator and divides it into two separate, uncorrelated paths to enable spatial duplex temperature measurements. The distinction between temperature events corresponding to each path in the dual separate path (DSP) in RDTS can be achieved when temperature events are concurrently occurring in the DSP. Additionally, the RDTS-DSP solution may integrate free space optics (FSO) into its fiber path, which serves to enhance the user-friendliness, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of DFOS technology. An RDTS measurement channel can effectively function as a DSP, thus doubling the RDTS measurement pathway, and can be combined with FSO to significantly improve RDTS performance.

Benchmarking Reconstructive Spectrometer with Multiresonant Cavities.

Recent years have seen the rapid development of miniaturized reconstructive spectrometers (RSs), yet they still confront a range of technical challenges, such as bandwidth/resolution ratio, sensing speed, and/or power efficiency. Reported RS designs often suffer from insufficient decorrelation between sampling channels, which, in essence, is due to inadequate engineering of sampling responses. This in turn results in poor spectral-pixel-to-channel ratios (SPCRs), typically restricted at single digits. So far, there lacks a general guideline for manipulating RS sampling responses for the effectiveness of spectral information acquisition. In this study, we shed light on a fundamental parameter from the compressive sensing (CS) theory-the average mutual correlation coefficient ν-and provide insight into how it serves as a critical benchmark in RS design. To this end, we propose a novel RS design with multiresonant cavities, consisting of a series of partial reflective interfaces. Such multicavity configuration allows the superlative optimization of sampling matrices to achieve minimized ν. Experimentally, we implement a single-shot, dual-band RS on a SiN platform, realizing an overall operation bandwidth of 270 nm and a <0.5 nm resolution with only 15 sampling channels per band. This leads to a record high SPCR of 18.0. Moreover, the proposed multicavity design can be readily adapted to various photonic platforms, ranging from optical fibers to free-space optics. For instance, we showcase that by employing multilayer coatings, an ultrabroadband RS can be optimized to exhibit a 700 nm bandwidth with an SPCR of over 100.

Coarse frequency offset estimation and compensation based on short-time spectrum analysis in FSO communication system

Due to the high-speed movement of low-orbit satellites, the Doppler frequency offset in 1550-nm wavelength satellite-to-ground coherent laser communication is as high as ±4.5 GHz, which greatly increases the difficulty of carrier frequency acquisition. Low complexity, short capture time, and stable coarse frequency offset estimation and compensation algorithms are technical bottlenecks that must be addressed. In this work, a coarse frequency offset estimation and compensation algorithm based on short-time spectrum analysis is proposed. In the proof-of-principle system, the feasibility of the coarse frequency offset capture is verified based on a 2.5-GBaud data rate PM-QPSK modulation FPGA-based coherent receiver. The results show that the frequency offsets capture range is extended to ±4.5 GHz, covering the Doppler frequency offset range. Moreover, the standard deviation of the residual frequency offset after coarse frequency offset compensation is less than 140 MHz, which is smaller than the accurate frequency offset compensation range of 312.5 MHz.

Transmission of data rate by radio over free space optical communications system under turbulence conditions

Abstract This study presents the analysis of a designed Ro-FSO system by Opti System v.20. The system analysis depends on transferring three values of data (10, 20, and 40 Gb/s) using two digital modulators (PSK and DPSK). Two scintillation systems (L-N and G-G) are applied for transmitting a signal through free space; this signal is subject to four values of atmospheric turbulence. The research showed that the (L-N) scintillation model can send data at rates of 10, 20, or 40 Gb/s, irrespective of what kind of digital modulator is used. For data rates of 10 and 20 Gb/s, the suggested system could transmit it over a maximum link distance of up to 2 km under different turbulence intensities. For 40 Gb/s of data rate, the maximum link distances decline to 1.75 km at the same amount of turbulence conditions. When the scintillation system (G-G) is applied as a turbulence link, the system is able to transmit the signal well for a maximum link distance not exceeding 0.75 km.

Deep learning facilitated superhigh-resolution recognition of structured light ellipticities.

Elliptical beams (EBs), an essential family of structured light, have been investigated theoretically due to their intriguing mathematical properties. However, their practical application has been significantly limited due to the inability to determine all their physical quantities, particularly the ellipticity factor, a unique parameter for EBs of different families. In this paper, to our knowledge, we proposed the first high-accuracy approach that can effectively distinguish EBs with an ellipticity factor difference of 0.01, equivalent to 99.9% field similarities. The method is based on a transformer deep learning (DL) network, and the accuracy has reached 99% for two distinct families of exemplified EBs. To prove that the high performance of this model can dramatically extend the practical aspect of EBs, we used EBs as information carriers in free-space optical communication for an image transmission task, and an error bit rate as low as 0.22% is achieved. Advancing the path of such a DL approach will facilitate the research of EBs for many practical applications such as optical imaging, optical sensing, and quantum-related systems.

Inter-satellite tracking methods and applications: A comprehensive survey

The accurate measurement of inter-satellite distances is fundamental to the successful operation of distributed spacecraft missions, facilitating diverse applications ranging from scientific exploration to navigation and communication. This study comprehensively overviews applications requiring inter-satellite tracking by analyzing 44 multi-spacecraft missions. These missions are divided into seven categories based on their use of inter-satellite distance measurements. Each category necessitates varying levels of accuracy, prompting the utilization of distinct tracking methods. The analysis reveals that missions near Earth typically rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems measurements, achieving millimeter-level accuracy, while lunar missions opt for radio ranging for centimeter-level accuracy. Inter-satellite Laser Ranging Interferometry emerges as the preferred method for missions demanding exceptionally high accuracy (nanometer to picometer range), such as those dedicated to gravitational wave detection and gravimetry. Notably, the analysis identifies a burgeoning trend towards the adoption of Inter-satellite Laser Transponder Ranging, capable of achieving sub-millimeter accuracy. Furthermore, this work proposes a novel concept: integrating inter-satellite ranging with Laser Communication Terminal (LCTs), either to substitute for existing tracking methods or to enhance measurement accuracy within established frameworks. However, its full potential rests upon the successful adaptation of existing LCTs for ranging functionality without compromising data rates. Future research will play a critical role in quantifying achievable ranging performance by characterizing systematic errors within LCTs.

Frequency planning for LISA

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is poised to revolutionize astrophysics and cosmology in the late 2030s by unlocking unprecedented insights into the most energetic and elusive astrophysical phenomena. The mission envisages three spacecraft, each equipped with two lasers, on a triangular constellation with 2.5 million-kilometer arm-lengths. Six interspacecraft laser links are established on a laser-transponder configuration, where five of the six lasers are offset phase locked to another. The need to determine a suitable set of transponder offset frequencies precisely, given the constraints imposed by the onboard metrology instrument and the orbital dynamics, poses an interesting technical challenge. In this paper we describe an algorithm that solves this problem via quadratic programming. The algorithm can produce concrete frequency plans for a given orbit and transponder configuration, ensuring that all of the critical interferometric signals stay within the desired frequency range throughout the mission lifetime, and enabling LISA to operate in science mode uninterruptedly. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Ground-based simulation of laser link acquisition for inter-satellite laser interferometry

Laser link acquisition and pointing technique is one of the essential techniques for the inter-satellite laser interferometry for space-based gravitational waves detection and next-generation Earth gravity measurement missions. The first step of building up inter-satellite laser link is using an acquisition camera to capture the inter-satellite laser beam signals within a pre-scanning uncertain cone. Subsequently, high-precision angle measurement technology, namely differential wavefront sensing, is used to achieve a high pointing precision required. Due to the distance constraint of a ground-based simulation experiment, it is difficult to verify directly the feasibility of an inter-satellite laser link acquisition and pointing control scheme. By means of controlling the optical properties of the received laser beam, the long-distance beam propagation is simulated with two optical benches of an inter-satellite interferometer, and the process of a laser link acquisition experiment has been demonstrated. The experimental results show that the inter-satellite laser beams could establish the dual-way locking successfully. The fluctuation of the laser beam pointing direction (in-loop) can be suppressed to about 5 µrad in atmospheric environment. The results verify the feasibility of the laser link acquisition scheme. The experimental setup can be extended to conduct experiments with various parameters, providing technical support for further testing of the inter-satellite laser link acquisition and pointing control methods.

(Invited) Tunable Infrared Optoelectronics Achieved by the Reversible Intercalation of Ionic Liquid Anions in Multilayer Graphene in the Mid-Infrared Wavelength Range

We report the use of multilayer graphene (MLG) grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approximately 75 layers (26 nm) thick configured in a simple electrochemical device. Applying a voltage of 3–4 V drives the intercalation of anion [TFSI-] (ion liquid diethylmethyl(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [DEME][TFSI]]) resulting in the reversible modulation of the properties of this optically dense material. Upon intercalation, we observe an abrupt shift of 35 cm−1 in the G band Raman mode, an abrupt increase in FTIR reflectance over the wavelength range from 1.67 to 5 μm (2000–6000 cm−1 ), and an abrupt increase in luminescent background observed in the Raman spectra of graphene. All of these abrupt changes in the optical properties of this material arise from the intercalation of the TFSI− ion and the associated change in the free carrier density (Δn = 1021 cm−3). Suppression of the 2D band Raman mode observed around 3 V corresponds to Pauli blocking of the double resonance Raman process and indicates a modulation of the Fermi energy of ΔEF= 1.1 eV. The thermal emissivity of the MLG device is also substantially modulated over the range from 7 – 14 µm. Using this device, have demonstrated free-space optical communication that utilizes ambient Planck radiation from a warm body and modulates the emitted intensity. We present an experimental demonstration achieving error-free communications at 100 bits per second over laboratory scales. We have also developed an AC Raman technique for measuring the Raman spectra during the intercalation−deintercalation half cycles in a multilayer graphene (MLG) device operating at 0.2−10 Hz. Raman spectra taken just 200 ms apart show the emergence and disappearance of the intercalated G band mode at around 1610 cm−1 . By integration of over hundreds of cycles, a significant Raman signal can be obtained. The intercalation/ deintercalation is also monitored with thermal imaging via voltage-induced changes in the carrier density, complex dielectric function ε(ω), and thermal emissivity of the device. “Dynamic Study of Intercalation/Deintercalation of Ionic Liquids in Multilayer Graphene Using an Alternating Current Raman Spectroscopy Technique” Zhi Cai, Haley Weinstein, Indu Aravind, Ruoxi Li, Sizhe Weng, Boxin Zhang, Jonathan L. Habif, and Stephen B. Cronin. Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 14, 7223 (2023).“Gate-tunable modulation of the optical properties of multilayer graphene by the reversible intercalation of ionic liquid anions” Zhi Cai, Indu Aravind, Haley Weinstein, Ruoxi Li, Jiangbin Wu, Han Wang, Jonathan Habif, and Stephen Cronin. Journal of Applied Physics. 132, 095102 (2022).“Harvesting Planck radiation for free-space optical communications in the long-wave infrared band“ Haley A. Weinstein, Zhi Cai, Stephen B. Cronin, and Jonathan L. Habif, Optics Letters. 47, 6225-6228 (2022). Figure 1

A High-Precision DSM-based Laser Ranging Method Integrated with Free Space Optical Communication

A High-Precision DSM-based Laser Ranging Method Integrated with Free Space Optical Communication