Coherent Beam Combining and Telecom Modulation: Reciprocal Impact

Abstract

There is a growing interest in ground-to-satellite optical communication to go beyond their radio-frequency (RF) counterparts and especially tackle the issue of RF bands saturation [1]. Nevertheless, laser systems used as transmitter in optical feeder links require relatively high power (typically 500 W [2]) but also a high beam quality and wavefront control to maximize transmission through atmospheric turbulences. These specifications are yet difficult to achieve at the same time with this type of high-power laser. Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) enables to achieve power scaling of several laser amplifiers in master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) configuration preserving a safe operating regime [3]. CBC could thus be a solution for the development of the next generation of high-power emitters for telecom applications.