Four-channel coarse WDM for inter- and intra-satellite optical communications

• Published in: Optics and laser technology 2005-10, Vol.37 (7), p.551-554
• Main Authors: Gu, Lanlan, Zhao, Feng, Shi, Zhong, Liu, Jian, Chen, Ray T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Holographic gratings; Holographic optical elements; holographic gratings; Holography; Optical communication systems, multiplexers, and demultiplexers; Optical telecommunications; Optics; Physics; Satellite communication; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Wavelength division multiplexing
• ISSN: 0030-3992; 1879-2545
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2004.08.007

A polymer volume grating-based four-channel coarse wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) for inter- and intra-satellite optical communication application is reported for the first time. This compact four-channel WDM device working at 0.83, 1.06, 1.34 and 1.55 μm is designed to build a complete optical link between two satellites, where wavelengths of 0.83 and 1.55 μm are used for data stream channels, 1.06 and 1.34 μm are used for inter- and intra-satellite connection. It is for the first time reported that a WDM device can cover such a large wavelength range in a single substrate. For transverse electric (TE) wave, the channel efficiencies at 0.83, 1.06, 1.34 and 1.55 μm are 55%, 40%, 35% and 45%, respectively. Channel efficiencies for transverse magnetic (TM) waves are 20% lower than those of TE waves on average. Wavelength shifts due to Doppler effect, temperature variations and radiation effects in space can be adequately accommodated.