Retromodulator for optical tagging for LEO consumables

We report the results of a recent demonstration in which a MQW retromodulator array was used as a low power, lightweight means to provide optical tagging of a remotely located object. A laser diode integrated on a tracker/pointing system scanned without cueing for a modulated retroreflected beam. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gilbreath, G.C., Meehan, T.J., Rabinovich, W.S., Vilcheck, M.J., Mahon, R., Ferraro, M., Vasquez, J.A., Sokolsky, I., Katzer, D.C., Ikosi-Anastasiou, K., Goetz, P.G.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Detectors
Diode lasers
Laser beams
Laser modes
Low earth orbit satellites
Optical arrays
Optical modulation
Quantum well devices
Space technology
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Summary:We report the results of a recent demonstration in which a MQW retromodulator array was used as a low power, lightweight means to provide optical tagging of a remotely located object. A laser diode integrated on a tracker/pointing system scanned without cueing for a modulated retroreflected beam. The retroreflected energy was received and the embedded code demodulated for tagging identification. Ranges were on the order of 40 meters using an array of 1/2 cm MQW devices. Data were transferred at a rate of one mega chip per second over the link. Device power requirements were of the order of several milliwatts.
ISSN:1095-323X
DOI:10.1109/AERO.2001.931384