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Completed TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)
Demonstrate frequency-agile (1550 nm / 775 nm) modelocked laser (MLL) transmitter for multi-range optical comm; Develop and demonstrate multi-level modulation for high rate (> 20 Mb/s); Identify improved modulation schemes for >1 bit per photon long range photon counting mode-locked laser optical links proximity links with mode-locked laser
Benefits: Higher performance combined DTE / proximity links on Mars (M2020 or following) or Europa lander: Simpler M2020 optical terminal design: eliminates separate diode laser transmitter; Atmospheric science data products from dual-wavelength laser beam probe. Cis- and trans-lunar multi-Mb/s cubesat communications: Reduce background noise 100x during daytime operations; Extends range of LEO cubesat optical comm initiated with MIT under FY14 SURP. Reimbursable work: exfiltration links for DoD / IC customers. Relaxed beam width and pointing requirements for few (~0.1 to ~50) Mbit/s communications. Establish Mbit/s optical communications links
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