Integrated Optical Transmitter for Space Based Applications

Next generation optical modems for NASA will be based on the RZ-DPSK modulation format. This modulation format is robust, delivers high quantum efficiency and allows burst-mode operation, key when using a power limited transmitter in combination with a fixed delay line DPSK demodulator. Freedom Photonics approach in this proposed program is to integrate the laser, modulator, and amplifier into a single transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Photonic integration reduces the cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) of the transmitter optical component so that they can fit into a package the size of a half-dollar coin or smaller. It will be realized using an Indium Phosphide photonic integration platform, well suited for space application.  The Phase II effort will culminate in a FSO demonstration in a laboratory environment demonstrating transmission of RZ-DPSK signals.