Investigation Of Communication Laser Diodes For The SILEX Project

Bodo Menke; Roland Loffler

doi:10.1117/12.961542

6 October 1989 Investigation Of Communication Laser Diodes For The SILEX Project

Bodo Menke, Roland Loffler

Proceedings Volume 1131, Optical Space Communication; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.961542
Event: 1989 International Congress on Optical Science and Engineering, 1989, Paris, France

Abstract

In the frame of ESA's SILEX experiment a free space optical communication link based on 0.8 μm A1GaAs-laser diodes is planned for a maximum range of 45000 km and bit rates up to 65 Mbit/s. 30 mW average power is required from a single diode under QPPM modulation. Stable operation in the fundamental mode up to 120 mW pulse amplitude must be guaranteed and spectral width under modulation must not exceed 4 nm. Potential laser diodes had to be found, capable of meeting SILEX operating conditions. More than 15 laser manufacturers in Europe, USA, Canada and Japan have been contacted and almost 20 different diode types (single stripe) have been investigated and submitted to comprehensive measurements of Po/I-curve pulsed up to 120 mW, far field pattern, spectral spread under QPPM-modulation, mode hopping, astigmatism and rms wavefront error (WFE). Most of the laser diodes specified for 30 ... 50 mW cw output power have been delivered in a sealed TO 5-style package. The investigations showed that WFE is strongly affected by the window in introducing strong spherical aberration. Several diode types can be operated up to 120 mW peak power without kinks in the P,/I curve and meet the basic functional specifications set forth for SILEX. Based on the investigation results three laser types have been chosen for breadboarding and for accelerated life tests to overcome the lack of information on the lasers reliability under SILEX operating conditions.

Citation Download Citation

Bodo Menke and Roland Loffler "Investigation Of Communication Laser Diodes For The SILEX Project", Proc. SPIE 1131, Optical Space Communication, (6 October 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.961542

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