Analysis of pulse position modulated fiber-based laser systems for deep space optical communication

Abstract

Fiber-based laser sources delivering optical pulses at a wavelength of ~1.5µm have attracted a great interest in recent years mainly due to their unique properties. High efficiency, high output power, eye-safe wavelength and very good output beam quality make them a perfect tool for Free Space Optics communication. The most suitable modulation scheme for long-haul communication is pulse-position modulation mainly due to its high peak-to-average power ratio. In this paper we discuss a potential use of high power fiber laser system built in Master Oscillator Power Amplifier architecture for pulse-position modulated Deep Space Optical Communication. We focus on power scalability, beam quality, laser driver simplicity and temporal deformation of nanosecond laser pulses as well. In summary we shortly compare features of pulse-position modulated fiber laser transmitter with other high power laser sources being used in optical communication.