← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
In this IRAD we propose to investigate the use of photonic lanterns for coherent free space optical communications. Photonic Lanterns are optical fiber devices that have a large multimode input that smoothly transitions into multiple single mode fibers. Coherently summing the outputs of these single mode fibers allows for the reconstruction of a coherent communication signal. This can replace for expensive adaptive optics (AO) systems with digital signal processing (DSP) that reconstructs signal phase, combines signals coherently, and significantly reduces the cost and complexity of future optical ground terminals.
Reconstructing a coherent signal post-detection using multiple phase measurements with a photonic lantern may enable vastly cheaper coherent detection than adaptive optics (AO) systems which require additional compensation for distortions in the optical wavefront.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.