Lightweight Laser Communications Mirrors Made With Metal Foam Cores

Daniel Vukobratovich

doi:10.1117/12.951295

11 July 1989 Lightweight Laser Communications Mirrors Made With Metal Foam Cores

Daniel Vukobratovich

Proceedings Volume 1044, Optomechanical Design of Laser Transmitters and Receivers; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.951295
Event: OE/LASE '89, 1989, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Laser communication offers many advantages in space- and weight-critical applications. Swept volume and weight of the receiver are reduced through use of laser communications, and communications security is enhanced. A critical parameter in the performance of a laser communications system is receiver gain, given by:1 GR = π2 dR_ λ2 (1) where dR is the receiver aperture and X is the receiver operating wavelength. For maximum receiver gain, the receiver aperture should be as large as possible and the wavelength as short as possible. Wavelength is frequently decided by considerations of propagation, interference, and the availability of lasers of the appropriate characteristics. Increased gain therefore requires more receiver aperture. To maintain the advantages of light weight and minimum swept volume, the laser communications receiver must have the lightest possible receiver for a given aperture.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel Vukobratovich "Lightweight Laser Communications Mirrors Made With Metal Foam Cores", Proc. SPIE 1044, Optomechanical Design of Laser Transmitters and Receivers, (11 July 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.951295

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available