Integrated Optical Transmitter for Space Based Applications

The objective of this program is to develop, demonstrate and implement an integrated optical transmitter for RZ-DPSK modulation for integration into modems for the international space station (ISS). Conventional optical transmitters are based on commercially available discrete components. These have several fiber interconnects which leads to increased optical loss, reduced reliability in a space environment and increased footprint in a an otherwise space constrained optical modem. Photonic integrated circuit technology promises to integrate these functions on a single monolithic chip implemented in rad hard Indium Phosphide technology. This will lead to a miniaturized compact implementation, compatible with wafer-scale manufacturing.

The primary focus of this program is to enable the development of a chip-scale integrated Indium Phosphide based rad hard RZ-DPSK transmitter for NASA for use in compact optical modems for the international space station. The program goal is the integration of tunable laser, optical modulators, gating and booster SOA into a single monolithic chip and the surrounding compact package to generate a small footprint transmitter for NASA use in the ISS, and potentially further into space subsystems, pico satellites, and space vehicles.

Chip-scale integrated miniaturized, yet high performance tunable optical transmitters can significantly impact a wide range of applications in addition to NASA's ISS space communication and control needs. These applications include other space and terrestrial communications applications, including both free-space and fiber optic links, a range of sensing applications and potential optical waveform generating sources. Given this potential demand, it is expected that the annual market for chip-scale integrated transmitters could grow to many tens of millions of dollars.

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.

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