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Analysis of a spatial tracking subsystem for optical communicationsSpatial tracking plays a very critical role in designing optical communication systems because of the small angular beamwidth associated with the optical signal. One possible solution for spatial tracking is to use a nutating mirror which dithers the incoming beam at a rate much higher than the mechanical disturbances. A power detector then senses the change in detected power as the signal is reflected off the nutating mirror. This signal is then correlated with the nutator driver signals to obtain estimates of the azimuth and elevation tracking signals to control the fast scanning mirrors. A theoretical analysis is performed for a spatial tracking system using a nutator disturbed by shot noise and mechanical vibrations. Contributions of shot noise and mechanical vibrations to the total tracking error variance are derived. Given the vibration spectrum and the expected signal power, there exists an optimal amplitude for the nutation which optimizes the receiver performance. The expected performance of a nutator based system is estimated based on the choice of nutation amplitude.
Document ID
19930064411
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Win, Moe Z.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Chen, CHIEN-C.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Free-space laser communication technologies IV; Proceedings of the 4th Conference, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 23, 24, 1992 (A93-48376 20-17)
Publisher: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Accession Number
93A48408
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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