Abstract

A free space optical communication system using multiple GaAs/GaAlAs laser diodes has been designed using current technology and commercially available laser diodes. The GaAs/GaAlAs single-mode laser diode was selected as the light source as a result of its small size, system simplicity due to its direct modulation of the optical emission by variation of the drive current, selectable emission over a wide wavelength interval (~8000-9000 A), and the reliability features of a semiconductor device. The resulting all solid-state design of the major system components (laser, electronics, detector, thermal cooler) offers advantages for space qualification and long-term reliable on-orbit operation.

© 1983 Optical Society of America