Optical Tunable-Based Transmitter for Multiple High-Frequency Bands

About this technology

Overview

As the demand grows for more radio frequency (RF) carrier bands in space communication systems, so does the need for a cost-effective compact optical transmitter that is capable of efficiently transmitting multiple RF bands. Traditionally, when a satellite transmits to another satellite or a ground station, a separate terminal with a corresponding antenna is needed for each radio frequency band. Equipment becomes more complex as frequencies get higher. At the higher bands, large heat sinks are needed to dissipate the waste heat. Now, however, innovators at NASA's Glenn Research Center have successfully developed a method using a single laser beam to combine and transmit - all in one unit - multiple microwave bands with different modulation formats and bandwidths. This breakthrough benefits space communication systems in important ways, including reduced size, weight, and complexity, with consequent savings in cost. With additional development, the technology could be extended to fiber optic systems for terrestrial applications.