Implementation of laser communications acquisition function using MEMS FSM and quad detector

Ryan Miller; Joel Y. Gallegos; Austin Lee; Kevin Chow; Vi Tran; Mathew W. Bissonnette; Jessica Denham

doi:10.1117/12.2606010

4 March 2022 Implementation of laser communications acquisition function using MEMS FSM and quad detector

Ryan Miller, Joel Y. Gallegos, Austin Lee, Kevin Chow, Vi Tran, Mathew W. Bissonnette, Jessica Denham

Proceedings Volume 11993, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXIV; 1199302 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2606010
Event: SPIE LASE, 2022, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Current CubeSat Laser Communications relies on spacecraft body pointing with thrusters or reaction wheels, resulting in mediocre laser beam pointing accuracy. To increase the laser beam pointing accuracy, active acquisition and tracking of the beam from the counter terminal should be performed. Conventional FSMs (fast steering mirrors) and FPAs (focal plane arrays) are too large to be incorporated into CubeSats, which are inherently constrained by low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) limits. In this paper, we present a patent pending method and reference design that implements both acquisition and tracking functions using a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System) FSM and quad detector. Our design fits within 1U (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) with a 6.4 mm diameter MEMS FSM and 1 mm quad detector. Replacing the FPA (that typically performs the acquisition function) enables minimization of SWaP in the laser communication terminal design, which is crucial in CubeSat laser communications. The prototype was designed such that it has an acquisition fieldof-view of 2 deg and tracking field-of-view of 0.5 deg. The acquisition time is measured to be less than 60 seconds, with a probability of acquisition success > 99%.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Ryan Miller, Joel Y. Gallegos, Austin Lee, Kevin Chow, Vi Tran, Mathew W. Bissonnette, and Jessica Denham "Implementation of laser communications acquisition function using MEMS FSM and quad detector", Proc. SPIE 11993, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXIV, 1199302 (4 March 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2606010

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