Design and Simulation Analysis of Piezoelectric Ceramic Tube-Based Fiber Optic Nutator Applied to an Intersatellite Laser Communication System

Abstract

The signal-receiving end of acquisition, pointing, and tracking (APT) systems applied to intersatellite laser communication terminals usually uses a fast-steering mirror (FSM) to control the fiber-coupling process, has a complex structural design, and induces large errors in the nonideal coaxial optical path. Herein, we propose a fiber-optic nutator using a piezoelectric ceramic tube (PCT) as the driving unit that allows scanning in the focal plane of the light signal to achieve active fiber coupling in the APT system. Specifically, this article describes the structural design principle of a PCT-based fiber optic nutator, establishes a simulation model of the mechanism, and proves the correctness of the simulation model by measuring the deflection angle of a PCT based on a parallel light collimator. The minimum accuracy of the designed nutator was 0.145 μm, the maximum nutation radius R was 20.09 μm, and the maximum nutation bandwidth was 20 kHz, as determined through simulation. Finally, the design parameters of the nutator were evaluated. The PCT-based fiber optic nutator, which met the design parameters, structurally replaced the fiber optic coupling component FSM and fine tracking camera in conventional APT systems successfully. Therefore, the PCT-based fiber optic nutator allows the active coupling control of signal light to a single-mode fiber (SMF) based on energy feedback on a theoretical basis and promotes the lightweight design of relay optical paths in APT systems. In addition, with future work in optimization of the nutation control algorithm, the scanning range and accuracy of the nutator can be improved.

Design of U-Shaped Frame of Spaceborne Turntable Based on Multi-Constraint Topology Optimization Method

“…The gimbal's stiffness properties are determined by material attributes, cross-sectional properties of the components, and connection methods among different components. In gimbal systems, modeling non-linear connection parts (e.g., axial connections and locking mechanism connections) through finite element analysis is susceptible to distortion phenomena [3] (pp. 203-217).…”

“…This system is widely applied in the realm of space-based space target detection. Its primary components include azimuth shafting, left and right pitch shafting, support tracking frame, locking mechanism, and carrier stage, to name a few [3] (pp. 203-217).…”

Fatigue mechanism analysis and life prediction model of piezoelectric ceramic tube based on fiber-optic nutator

“…In the context of interstellar laser communication networks, the acquisition, pointing and tracking (APT) system in satellite terminals serves as the pivotal apparatus for precise directional control of incident and outgoing optical signals [1][2][3]. Within the terminus of the APT system's relay optical path, an ingeniously designed, lightweight fiber-optic nutator mechanism [4] supersedes conventional precision tracking camera systems reliant on fast-steering mirrors (FSM) [5][6][7][8]. The mechanism is designed to achieve energy-feedback-based gimbal scanning of an optical fiber by voltage-driving an internal piezoelectric ceramic tube (PCT), thereby facilitating the coupling of the signal light to the single-mode receiving fiber.…”

Influence of nutating deflection on fiber coupling efficiency for fiber optic nutator

“…The research team of the manuscript has proffered a Fiber Optic Nutator (FON) governed by Piezoelectric Ceramic Tubes (PCT) for angular displacement control 13 . Subsequently, on this conceptual underpinning, a Beaconless APT system has been conceptualized, specifically tailored for the reception of signal light.…”