RAD-EDFA-HP

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2018-12-20
Activity Code

5A.048

Objectives

The purpose of this programme is to develop two C-band high power (30dBm and 35dBm) optical fibre amplifier engineering models for space laser communication. These amplifiers are ideal for use in the application of LEO to ground, intra and inter satellite links (LEO to GEO and GEO to GEO). To achieve this goal, the following objectives have been completed:

Survey of end-user requirements
Optical engine design and component selection
Optical engine component procurement and testing

Module design, assembly, integration and test

Challenges

The challenges within this programme include:

Achieving target optical specifications with low electrical power consumption
System design and component procurement for operation within the radiation environment of space.

Achieving a design with a small footprint and low mass.

Benefits

The optical fibre amplifier modules developed within this programme offer the following benefits:

Small footprint, low mass solution to high power optical amplification for space laser communication.
Cost effective solution for high volume requirements.
Mechanical design concept of “photonic slices” is employed allowing customization of specifications and functions
Broadband performance for multi-channel operation.

Designed to ensure survival and operation of the module under harsh space environmental and launch conditions.

Features

The modules developed feature:

A compact, small footprint mechanical housing designed to withstand launch and environmental conditions.
An optical design that has been optimised to improve optical efficiency and minimise power consumption.

Components have been tested and selected to minimise the effect of radiation induced attenuation.

System Architecture

The modules developed include the following:

Broadband performance for multi-channel operation
Pump laser redundancy for improved reliability
Input, output and SBS power monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Optical mini-AVIM input and sleeved fibre high power output

D-Sub electrical interfaces

Plan

The project plan covers the following phases and milestones

Preliminary requirements review (PRR)
Optical engine design and component selection, design review (DR)
Optical engine component procurement and testing, optical engine test review (OTR)
Module design review (MDR)

Assembly integration and test, hardware acceptance review (HAR).

Current status

The project has successfully completed the Hardware Acceptance Review (HAR) in September 2018 after the assembly, integration and test of two optical fibre amplifier modules developed within the programme was completed. Images of the two modules are shown below.