In addition to Lidar systems and atmospheric sensing, the detectors could potentially be modified for use in traditional fiber optical communications at 1.55 µm. Because of better performance parameters, they could, for example, replace such current solutions as InGaAs avalanche photodiodes used in fiber optical telecommunications. This represents a very significant commercial market. Military applications could also make use of high speed, sensitive photodetectors operating at 1.55 µm to 1.80 µm wavelengths
NASA is working on the development of Lidar systems for wind direction measurement, surface topography as well as atmospheric sensing, and optical communication technologies for such applications as deep space to ground communication links, intersatellite links, Earth orbiting to ground, networking formation flying spacecraft, and others
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