Characteristics of Ultra-Long Deep Space FSO Downlinks Using Special Detector Technologies Like SNSPD

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Abstract

Free Space Optics (FSO) communication technology substantially increases its presence in the growing satellite constellations as well as for deep space applications. The current work provides an overview over a demonstration of deeper space optical links beyond Lunar distance, reaching planets Mars and Venus (that is partly accomplished in frame of ESA's Hybridised Optical/RF Payload Data Transmitter study). By means of Poisson point processes (PPPs), the introduced space-to-ground downlink is simulated in Matlab programming language and in a later phase, it is modeled with a self-developed laboratory testbed (implementing also different atmospheric effects and influences). In order to comply with CCSDS standards, the High Photon Efficiency (HPE) communication link relies on Nr-array Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD) unit. Along with BER performance, the dependence on SNSPD's recovery time and array size as well as Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) order and adverse atmospheric conditions are investigated, plotted and verified. The consistence of the theoretical predictions with the real downlink are tested based on laboratory FSO testbed investigating the performance of a 2-array SNSPD receiver unit. Apart from the SNSPD, an approach with space-to-ground downlink emulator based on fibre-coupled Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) and a few fixed attenuators, which reproduce a Poisson channel, is considered and analysed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 22nd International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks, ICTON 2020
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-8423-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2020
Event22nd International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks: ICTON 2020 - Bari, Virtuell, Italy
Duration: 19 Jul 202023 Jul 2020

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
Volume2020-July
ISSN (Electronic)2162-7339

Conference

Conference22nd International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
Abbreviated titleICTON 2020
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBari, Virtuell
Period19/07/2023/07/20

Keywords

  • Free space optics (FSO)
  • Laboratory FSO testbed
  • Poisson channel
  • Poisson point processes (PPPs)
  • Space-to-ground downlink
  • Superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Computer Networks and Communications

Fields of Expertise

  • Information, Communication & Computing
  • Advanced Materials Science

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