High-rate 256+ Gbit/s laser communications for enhanced high-resolution imaging using space-based very long baseline interferometry (VLBI)

Wang, Jade P.; Bilyeu, Bryan C.; Boroson, Don M.; Caplan, D.O.; Schieler, Curt; Johnson, Michael D.; Blackburn, L.; Doeleman, Sheperd S.; Haworth, Kari

doi:10.1117/12.2651471

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

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“…The increasing number of satellites and the abundance of data in orbit have led to a growing interest in satellite-to-ground laser communications in recent years [1][2][3][4][5]. Laser communication has the potential to achieve rates of up to 200 GB/s [6,7], which is over ten times faster than conventional electromagnetic wave communication. Additionally, laser communication offers several advantages in terms of safety, electromagnetic interference, frequency licensing, and size reduction [1,8,9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Topology and Size Optimized Design and Laser Welding of the U-Frame for Free-Space Laser Communication Telescopes

Li,

Huo,

Yuan

et al. 2023

Machines

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The success of laser communications heavily relies on the stiffness, dynamic properties, static performance, and manufacturability of the U-frame. The U-frame is a fundamental element in satellite-to-ground laser communication telescopes. However, there is currently a lack of research on the optimal design of U-frames, leading to a significant gap between ideal construction and practical manufacturability. To address these concerns, this study proposes a comprehensive approach that combines multi-objective topology optimization and multi-start size optimization techniques. This approach considers the multidisciplinary constraints imposed by mechanical, control, and optical systems. The objective is to achieve both the conceptual and detailed design of a novel U-frame, while also ensuring thorough consideration of the structure’s manufacturability during the optimization process. The prototype of the optimized U-frame was successfully fabricated using laser welding processes. The tensile test conducted on the prototype supported the idea that laser welding can enhance the micro-grain size of the joint, leading to improved overall mechanical properties. In particular, the joint strength achieved through laser welding was found to be 1.5 times greater than that achieved through TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Additionally, the results obtained from the free vibration experiment closely aligned with the simulation, confirming the feasibility of manufacturing the optimized structure. The optimized structure demonstrated an improvement of 7.13% in dynamic performance and 29.61% in static performance compared to the first-generation structure. Additionally, there was a reduction of 29.89% in mass without affecting the remaining performance aspects. The successful fabrication of the prototype validates the feasibility of the proposed welding process and highlights the superiority of the new U-frame.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Topology and Size Optimized Design and Laser Welding of the U-Frame for Free-Space Laser Communication Telescopes

Li,

Huo,

Yuan

et al. 2023

Machines

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The Black Hole Explorer: astrophysics mission concept engineering study report

Peretz,

Kurczynski,

Johnson

et al. 2024

Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave

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The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) mission will enable the study of the fine photon ring structure, aiming to reveal the clear universal signatures of multiple photon orbits and true tests of general relativity, while also giving astronomers access to a much greater population of black hole shadows. Spacecraft orbits can sample interferometric Fourier spacings that are inaccessible from the ground, providing unparalleled angular resolution for the most detailed spatial studies of accretion and photon orbits and better time resolution. The BHEX mission concept provides space Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at submillimeter wavelengths measurements to study black holes in coordination with the Event Horizon Telescope and other radio telescopes. This report presents the BHEX engineering goals, objectives and TRL analysis for a selection of the BHEX subsystems. This work aims to lay some of the groundwork for a near-term Explorers class mission proposal.

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High data rate laser communications for the Black Hole Explorer

Wang,

Bilyeu,

Boroson

et al. 2024

Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave

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The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) is a mission concept that can dramatically improve state-of-the-art astronomical very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) imaging resolution by extending baseline distances to space. To support these scientific goals, a high data rate downlink is required from space to ground. Laser communications is a promising option for realizing these high data rate, long-distance space-to-ground downlinks with smaller space/ground apertures. Here, we present a scalable laser communications downlink design and current lasercom mission results.

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High-rate 256+ Gbit/s laser communications for enhanced high-resolution imaging using space-based very long baseline interferometry (VLBI)

Cited by 3 publications

References 32 publications

Topology and Size Optimized Design and Laser Welding of the U-Frame for Free-Space Laser Communication Telescopes

Topology and Size Optimized Design and Laser Welding of the U-Frame for Free-Space Laser Communication Telescopes

The Black Hole Explorer: astrophysics mission concept engineering study report

High data rate laser communications for the Black Hole Explorer

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