A high speed retro-reflective free space optics links with UAV

In this work we report the design and implementation of a very high speed retro-reflective free space communication system between a ground station and a commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system uses a pixelated electro-absorption modulator (EAM) modulating retroreflector (MRR) to establish a data link operating at 500 Mbps at a range of 560 m and a bit error rate (BER) of 7.6·10-4 . The MRR provides an effective aperture of 11mm and full field of view (FFOV) of 6.4°. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest demonstration of an outdoor link of this type. In this paper the design and implementation of the system is described, as well as results from experimental trials

High speed electro-absorption modulator for long range retroreflective free space optics

In this work we present the design and implementation of a pixelated electro-absorption modulator (EAM) based modulating retroreflector (MRR) for high speed optical wireless communications. The modulator is based on a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure embedded in an asymmetric Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity. This MRR was used in an outdoor link, operating at 150 Mbps with a bit error rate (BER) of 1.22 x 10-6 at a range of 200 m. The system was also tested in laboratory controlled conditions achieving a data rate of 200 Mbps with a BER of 2 x 10-4. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest retroreflective free space optics (RFSO) demonstration in both indoor and outdoor environments

High speed electro-absorption modulator for long range retroreflective free space optics

In this work we present the design and implementation of a pixelated electro-absorption modulator (EAM) based modulating retroreflector (MRR) for high speed optical wireless communications. The modulator is based on a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure embedded in an asymmetric Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity. This MRR was used in an outdoor link, operating at 150 Mbps with a bit error rate (BER) of 1.22 x 10-6 at a range of 200 m. The system was also tested in laboratory controlled conditions achieving a data rate of 200 Mbps with a BER of 2 x 10-4. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest retroreflective free space optics (RFSO) demonstration in both indoor and outdoor environments

The C3PO project: A laser communication system concept for small satellites

The satellite market is shifting towards smaller (micro and nanosatellites), lowered mass and increased performance platforms. Nanosatellites and picosatellites have been used for a number of new, innovative and unique payloads and missions. This trend requires new concepts for a reduced size, a better performance/weight ratio and a reduction of onboard power consumption. In this context, disruptive technologies, such as laser-optical communication systems, are opening new possibilities. This paper presents the C3PO1 system, "advanced Concept for laser uplink/ downlink CommuniCation with sPace Objects", and the first results of the development of its key technologies. This project targets the design of a communications system that uses a ground-based laser to illuminate a satellite, and a Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) to return a beam of light modulated by data to the ground. This enables a downlink, without a laser source on the satellite. This architecture suits well to small satellite applications so as high data rates are potentially provided with very low board mass. C3PO project aims to achieve data rates of 1Gbit/s between LEO satellites and Earth with a communication payload mass of less than 1kilogram. In this paper, results of the initial experiments and demonstration of the key technologies will be shown