Compct Nd:YAG Optical Amplifier for Intersatellite Coherent Communication

Abstract

Free-space coherent communications systems require high efficiencies, output powers of about 1 W or more, and a phase modulation bandwidth of at least 1 GHz. Furthermore, spaceborne applications should exhibit exceptional ruggedness while maintaining a small package and simple thermal management. We present three different variants of a novel diode laser-pumped Nd:YAG amplifier that was designed to amplify the phase modulated beam of intersatellite optical links. The amplification, saturation, and noise properties as well as the thermally induced distortions are discussed.