OPTICAL SYSTEMS

Space Lasercom Systems

As science instruments evolve to capture high-definition data like 4K video, missions need expedited ways to transmit information from Space to Earth. 

Laser Communications (Lasercom) can significantly accelerate the data transfer process and empower more discoveries. 

Optical, or laser, communications will enable 10 to 100 times more data transmitted back to Earth than current radio frequency systems.

Active Optical Systems are used in many applications, including:

Imaging: Compact camera lenses in mobile devices 

Telecommunications: Satellites that use telescopes to provide weather, surveillance, and communications updates

Scientific Research: Optical Systems are used in a variety of Scientific Research Applications 

Sensing: Optical systems are used in sensing applications

NASA: Thermal Design for Spaceflight Fall 2022

Opto-Mechanical System

Opto-Mechanical Design, Fabrication, and Assembly are the processes of integrating Optical Components into Mechanical Structures to create Optical Instruments: 

Opto-Mechanical Design

The process of combining optics with mechanical engineering to create an interconnected system. This involves considering factors like material selection, thermal management, and structural stability. 

Fabrication

The process of creating mechanical parts. Designers work closely with machinists to ensure the parts are fabricated correctly.

Assembly

The process of putting the optical components and mechanical parts together to create the final instrument. 

Opto-mechanical design is a fundamental step in the creation of optical devices like microscopes, interferometers, and high-powered lasers. It's important to ensure the proper functioning of the optical system so that it performs optimally.

Optical Systems Components

Optical System consists of a succession of elements, which may include lenses, mirrors, light sources, detectors, projection screens, reflecting prisms, dispersing devices, filters and thin films, and fibre-optics bundles. 

Aspheres

1. Types: Spherical, aspherical, toroidal.

2. Materials: Glass, plastic, silicon.

3. Applications: Camera lenses, telescopes, laser systems.

4. Benefits: Reduced aberrations, improved image quality.

Beamsplitters

1. Types: 50/50, polarizing, non-polarizing.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Interferometry, spectroscopy, laser systems.

4. Benefits: Precise beam division, minimized losses.

Diffractive Optical Elements

1. Types: Diffractive lenses, beam splitters, gratings.

2. Materials: Glass, plastic, silicon.

3. Applications: Optical data storage, laser material processing.

4. Benefits: High precision, compact design.

Diffraction Gratings

1. Types: Transmission, reflection, holographic.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz, metal coatings.

3. Applications: Spectrometers, laser systems, optical communication.

4. Benefits: High spectral resolution, compact design.

Diffusers

1. Types: Opal glass, holographic, micro-optical.

2. Materials: Glass, plastic, silicon.

3. Applications: Lighting, biomedical imaging, laser systems.

4. Benefits: Uniform illumination, reduced glare.

Electro-Optics

1. Types: Electro-optic modulators, switches, deflectors.

2. Materials: Lithium niobate, silicon, gallium arsenide.

3. Applications: Optical communication, laser technology.

4. Benefits: High-speed modulation, low power consumption.

Fiber-Optic Communication

1. Types: Single-mode, multi-mode, WDM.

2. Materials: Silica, doped fibers.

3. Applications: Telecommunications, internet infrastructure.

4. Benefits: High-speed data transfer, long-distance transmission.

Infrared Optics

1. Types: Thermal imaging, spectroscopy.

2. Materials: Germanium, silicon, zinc selenide.

3. Applications: Military, industrial inspection.

4. Benefits: High sensitivity, compact design.

Lenses

1. Types: Spherical, aspherical, cylindrical.

2. Materials: Glass, plastic, silicon.

3. Applications: Imaging, optical instruments.

4. Benefits: High image quality, compact design.

Mirrors

1. Types: Plane, spherical, parabolic.

2. Materials: Glass, metal, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Laser technology, optical instruments.

4. Benefits: High reflectivity, precise control.

Optics

1. Types: Geometrical, physical.

2. Applications: Imaging, optical communication.

3. Benefits: High precision, compact design.

Optical Assemblies

1. Types: Telescopes, microscopes.

2. Materials: Glass, metal, plastic.

3. Applications: Scientific research, industrial inspection.

4. Benefits: High precision, compact design.

Optical Components

1. Types: Lenses, mirrors, beam splitters.

2. Materials: Glass, plastic, silicon.

3. Applications: Optical instruments, laser technology.

4. Benefits: High precision, compact design.

Optical Filters

1. Types: Color, notch, bandpass.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Spectroscopy, optical communication.

4. Benefits: High spectral resolution, compact design.

Optical Isolators

1. Types: Polarizing, non-polarizing.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Laser technology, optical communication.

4. Benefits: High isolation, compact design.

Optical Mirrors

1. Types: Plane, spherical, parabolic.

2. Materials: Glass, metal, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Laser technology, optical instruments.

4. Benefits: High reflectivity, precise control.

Polymer Microoptics

1. Types: Diffractive lenses, optical interconnects.

2. Materials: Polymer, silicon.

3. Applications: Optical communication, biomedical devices.

4. Benefits: High precision, compact design.

Polarization Optics

1. Types: Polarizers, waveplates.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz, dielectric coatings.

3. Applications: Optical communication, material analysis.

4. Benefits: High polarization control, compact design.

Prisms

1. Types: Right-angle, equilateral.

2. Materials: Glass, quartz.

3. Applications: Optical instruments, laser technology.

Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) System

High resolution laser ranging of Earth’s topography from the International Space Station (ISS).

A "GEDI System Level Optical Model" refers to a computer simulation that replicates the entire optical system of the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) instrument, a lidar sensor mounted on the International Space Station, allowing scientists to precisely model how laser pulses are transmitted, reflected off the Earth's surface, and collected by the telescope, providing detailed information about the 3D structure of vegetation and topography across the globe. 

GEDI has the highest resolution and densest sampling of any lidar ever put in orbit. This has required a number of innovative technologies to be developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. 

Fiber Networks Technology (FNT)

Overview

Fiber Networks Technology (FTN) uses optical fiber cables to transmit data as light signals through thin glass or plastic fibers.

FTN Types

1. Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): 8-10 μm core diameter, used for long-distance transmission.

2. Multimode Fiber (MMF): 50-100 μm core diameter, used for short-distance transmission.

3. Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC): Combination of fiber and coaxial cables.

4. Passive Optical Network (PON): Point-to-multipoint architecture.

5. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM): Multiple signals transmitted on different wavelengths.

Capabilities

Technical Details

1. High-Speed Data Transfer: Up to 100 Gbps (SMF) and 10 Gbps (MMF).

2. Long-Distance Transmission: Up to 100 km (SMF) and 2 km (MMF).

3. High-Bandwidth Capacity: Supports multiple channels.

4. Low Latency: <1 ms.

5. Secure and Reliable: Difficult to intercept.

Limitations

Technical Details

1. High Installation Costs: Fiber deployment expensive.

2. Fiber Damage or Breakage: Physical damage affects transmission.

3. Signal Attenuation: Signal strength decreases over distance.

4. Interference: Electromagnetic interference affects transmission.

5. Limited Availability: Rural areas lack fiber infrastructure.

Challenges

Technical Details

1. Fiber Deployment: Difficult terrain, high costs.

2. Network Congestion: Increased traffic affects performance.

3. Cybersecurity Threats: Data breaches, hacking.

4. Maintenance and Repair: Difficult, time-consuming.

5. Standardization: Interoperability issues.

Opportunities

Technical Details

1. 5G Network Infrastructure: Fiber supports high-speed wireless.

2. Internet of Things (IoT): Fiber enables IoT connectivity.

3. Smart Cities: Fiber supports urban infrastructure.

4. Cloud Computing: Fiber enables fast data transfer.

5. Data Center Interconnectivity: Fiber supports high-speed data transfer.

Development Constraints

Technical Details

1. Cost: Fiber deployment expensive.

2. Regulatory Frameworks: Complex regulations.

3. Technical Complexity: Difficult implementation.

4. Skilled Workforce: Limited expertise.

5. Environmental Factors: Weather, terrain affect deployment.

Advancements

Technical Details

1. Quantum Fiber Optics: Enhanced security.

2. LiDAR Technology: Improved fiber deployment.

3. Optical Wireless Communication: Wireless transmission.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Optimized network management.

5. Next-Generation PON (NG-PON): Increased capacity.