Laser Communication Component Technologies: Database; Status and Trends

A database of component and subsystem technologies for free-space laser communications has been compiled. This document discusses technology assessment for free-space lasercomm components, and contains a collection of characteristics of commercially available and one-of-a-kind components that were made for laser communication and other relevant applications. the document also includes quantitative data on laser communication systems that were constructed in the past, along with plots of development trends for specific component technologies as a function of time.