Retromodulator for optical tagging for LEO consumables

Author

Gilbreath, G.C. ; Meehan, Timothy J. ; Rabinovich, W.S. ; Vilcheck, Michael J. ; Mahon, Rita ; Ferraro, Mena ; Vasquez, John A. ; Sokolsky, Ilene ; Katzer, D. Scott ; Ikosi-Anastasiou, K. ; Goetz, Peter G.

Author_Institution

Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA

Volume

3

fYear

2001

fDate

2001

Abstract

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

Keywords

electro-optical modulation; optical communication equipment; optical links; optical tracking; quantum well devices; space communication links; ID tags; LEO consumables; MQW retromodulator array; MQW shutters; covert data link; embedded code demodulation; integrated LD; modulated retroreflected beam; optical tagging; remotely located object; tracker/pointing system; warehouse in the sky; Detectors; Diode lasers; Laser beams; Laser modes; Low earth orbit satellites; Optical arrays; Optical modulation; Quantum well devices; Space technology; Tagging;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Aerospace Conference, 2001, IEEE Proceedings.

Conference_Location

Big Sky, MT

Print_ISBN

0-7803-6599-2

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AERO.2001.931384

Filename

931384