Performance analysis of pupil-matching optical differential receivers in space-to-ground laser communication

In the paper, the principle and structure of a pupil-matching optical differential receiver consisting of double 4f confocal lens groups is introduced to overcome atmosphere turbulences in space-to-ground laser communication. Using the scalar diffraction theory, a systematic analysis of 4f lens groups is formulated mathematically. Based on Seidel aberration, lens aberrations produced by the inherent unideal lens and mutual alignment errors of double 4f lens groups primarily caused by relative axial displacement of the foci and vertical position change of the optical axes are studied mathematically and detailed. Under the effects of varying aberrations on the double 4f lens groups, we evaluate the performance of this receiving system by the model of power penalty for a given 10(-9) bit error ratio. Simulated results of the relationship between power penalty and the different root-mean-square errors are concluded in order to put forward the requirement of machining precision of individual components. That will be helpful in optimizing the design of these groups in the optical receiver.