SBIR/STTR
Integrated Optical Transmitter for Space Based Applications, Phase I
Project Introduction
The objective of this program is to develop, demonstrate and implement an integrated optical transmitter for RZ-DPSK modulation for integration into modems for the international space station (ISS). Conventional optical transmitters are based on commercially available discrete components. These have several fiber interconnects which leads to increased optical loss, reduced reliability in a space environment and increased footprint in a an otherwise space constrained optical modem. Photonic integrated circuit technology promises to integrate these functions on a single monolithic chip implemented in rad hard Indium Phosphide technology. This will lead to a miniaturized compact implementation, compatible with wafer-scale manufacturing.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: The primary focus of this program is to enable the development of a chip-scale integrated Indium Phosphide based rad hard RZ-DPSK transmitter for NASA for use in compact optical modems for the international space station. The program goal is the integration of tunable laser, optical modulators, gating and booster SOA into a single monolithic chip and the surrounding compact package to generate a small footprint transmitter for NASA use in the ISS, and potentially further into space subsystems, pico satellites, and space vehicles.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Freedom Photonics, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Santa Barbara, CA |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | Supporting Organization | Academic | Santa Barbara, CA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Leif Johansson
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2016
End: Jun 2017
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.1 Optical Communications and Navigation
- TA 5.1.3 Lasers
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