2019-014 – Optical Homodyne Detection Through Turbulent Media by Phase Matching with Mode-Locked Lasers

Background: Free-space laser communication is the most effectivemeans of space to ground transmission. This type ofcommunication is often used for satellite communication but is also useful forground communications where a physical connection is impractical. While it iseffective, there are still some drawbacks to the use of this technology. Thereis often distortion associated with long range transmission that must beaccounted for to receive a clear transmission. Optical signals also utilize differentphases/frequencies of optical signals and in order to receive a signal anoscillator must match the phase/frequency of the optical transmission. Finally,a photodetector must accompany the oscillator to translate the optical signalsinto useful information. Technology Description: Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory of New Mexico have conceived anew technique for extracting phase information from an optical signal that isable to overcome the above obstacles. This device is composed of a transmitterand receiver in open loop communication systems. This device is capable ofeffectively sending and receiving optical signals through the atmosphere and alsoaccommodates for distortion that occurs. Anna Kuuttila anna@afrlnewmexico.com 505-846-1897