Description
Objective: The objective of the activity is to develop a high power compact directly modulated laser source for data transmission between LEO satellites and ground with an average output power greater than 1W and with a beam quality factor of less than 1.3.
Targeted Improvements: 50% reduction in size of existing pulsed laser sources; 25% reduction in DC power consumption; enabling development for use on small platforms capable to reach transmission rates of 10 Gbit/s and above.
Description: Today the majority of directly modulated laser sources consist of a laser, an external modulator and an optical amplifier. This results in a large footprint, which is difficult to accommodate on small platforms of 100 kg or less. Recent technology advances offer the prospect of directly modulating the laser current, thereby eliminating the external modulator and the optical amplifier. This allows a dramatic reduction in the complexity, size, weight and power consumption. When combined with high power laser diode technology, a 1W average optical output power can be achieved. Together these improvements will enable the production of compact laser terminals capable of providing datarates of 10 Gbit/s and above in low-earth-orbit-to-ground applications.In this activity a compact high power directly modulated laser source shall be designed, manufactured and validated experimentally.Note: This activity is part of the ARTES CC AT Workplan 2018 and the ARTES ScyLight Rolling Workplan. Funding can come from both programmes.
Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted tonon-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes,SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".
Tender Specifics