Automatic acquisition and tracking for laser communication using video techniques

The authors discuss automatic tracking laser communication terminals for the laser communication test system (LCTS) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The LCTS terminals have established the viability of aircraft laser communication systems using GaAs laser diodes with video tracking/acquisition techniques. Video tracking and automation acquisition have been shown to provide a legitimate alternative to a previously described quadrant detector approach. The LCTS program also proved that a single subsystem, incorporating a CCD video camera, gyro-stabilized gimbal and servo electronics, can perform both automatic acquisition to 12 degrees of field of regard and precision tracking in support of aircraft laser communication.<>