Low-loss reciprocal optical terminals for two-way time-frequency transfer

We present the design and performance of a low-cost, reciprocal, compact free-space terminal employing tip/tilt pointing compensation that enables optical two-way time-frequency transfer over free-space links across the turbulent atmosphere. The insertion loss of the terminals is ∼1.5  dB with total...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied optics (2004) 2017-12, Vol.56 (34), p.9406
Main Authors: Swann, W C, Sinclair, L C, Khader, I, Bergeron, H, Deschênes, J-D, Newbury, N R
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We present the design and performance of a low-cost, reciprocal, compact free-space terminal employing tip/tilt pointing compensation that enables optical two-way time-frequency transfer over free-space links across the turbulent atmosphere. The insertion loss of the terminals is ∼1.5  dB with total link losses of 15 dB, 24 dB, and 50 dB across horizontal, turbulent 2-km, 4-km, and 12-km links, respectively. The effects of turbulence on pointing control and aperture size, and their influence on the terminal design, are discussed.
ISSN:1559-128X
2155-3165
DOI:10.1364/AO.56.009406