Description

The objective of the activity is to develop and prototype a laser system for Sodium guide stars (an alternative to complex and expensive Raman shifted technologies) using semiconductors (e.g., VECSEL). The prototype laser shall be validated on sky demonstrating alaser guide star of sufficient brightness.Targeted Improvements:50% reduction in cost and complexity of guide star laser systemsDescription:With the growing number of constellations of CubeSats equipped with laser terminals and LEO feeder links, the volume of data transmitted will significantly increase in the short term. In this context optical ground stations and solutions for compensation of atmospheric effects on uplink propagation must reach higher technological readiness. Moreover, high cost has prevented laser guide star systems from having widespread adoption for optical communications and space debris observations using 1-meter class telescopes. An attractive approach for cost reduction could be based on the emerging VECSEL technology (Vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers) which could represent an alternative to current solutions based on Raman-shifted fibre lasers. This technologyhas already demonstrated 10s W output power and potential for power scalability by increasing the thickness of the lasing material,by increasing the surface area or by using multiple devices in the cavity. This activity will demonstrate the feasibility of potential low-cost laser guide stars (e.g., based on VECSEL), with the power, spectrum and beam characteristics required for an efficient Na excitation from ground. The developed prototype will be validated by measuring the generated photon return flux in an actual observation campaign. This activity aims at reducing the costs of adaptive optics systems and demonstrate applicability in optical communications scenarios.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_En…