Research on Integrated Technologies for Space Target Imaging, Ranging, and Communication

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Space Systems Engineering
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Space target detection demands higher system performance for integrated laser ranging, imaging, and communication.
• Existing systems face challenges in integration level and compactness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel light source integration scheme for a modularly designed integrated laser ranging, imaging, and communication system.
• To enhance system integration and compactness using fiber phased array beam splitting-coupling technology.

Main Methods:

• Developed an integrated system using a Cassegrain optical system and beam splitting structure.
• Conducted ground experiments for functional feasibility evaluation.
• Performed kilometer-level visible light polarization imaging and UAV-based dynamic ranging experiments.
• Executed a 1 km coherent free-space laser communication experiment.

Main Results:

• Polarization imaging improved target-background separability in haze and low-contrast conditions.
• Successful acquisition, tracking, and ranging of a moving cooperative target with meter-level accuracy.
• Achieved 20 Gbps QPSK signal transmission over 1 km free-space laser communication with a bit error rate of 10^-7.

Conclusions:

• The proposed integrated architecture and light source scheme effectively enhance system integration and compactness.
• Experimental results validate the system's capabilities for diverse space target observation and communication applications.
• The study provides valuable design references for future integrated optoelectronic terminals.