Pointing and tracking errors due to localized deformation in inter-satellite laser communication links

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• Laser Communication Systems

Background:

• Inter-satellite laser communication links are susceptible to pointing and tracking errors caused by localized wave-front deformation.
• Traditional methods using Zernike polynomials can be computationally intensive for analyzing these errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate an ellipse Gaussian model as a simpler alternative to Zernike polynomials for representing localized wave-front deformation.
• To analyze the impact of this deformation on pointing and tracking errors in laser communication links.
• To provide guidelines for optical device precision and alignment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Development of an ellipse Gaussian model to represent localized wave-front deformation.
• Mathematical analysis of the relationship between deformation parameters (h, a, b, d) and pointing/tracking errors.
• Simulation and analysis of error magnitudes and their dependence on deformation characteristics.

Main Results:

• The ellipse Gaussian model effectively simplifies the calculation of wave-front deformation effects.
• Pointing and tracking errors exhibit regular dependencies on deformation parameters h, a, b, and d.
• Maximum errors occur around h=0.2λ, reaching up to 0.7 microrad for pointing and 0.5 microrad for tracking.
• Machining precision greater than 0.2λ is recommended for optical devices.

Conclusions:

• The ellipse Gaussian model offers a computationally efficient approach for analyzing localized wave-front deformation in laser communication.
• Understanding the influence of deformation parameters is crucial for mitigating pointing and tracking errors.
• Recommendations for optical device manufacturing and alignment are provided to enhance system performance.