1550 nm Optics for Laser Communication
With global data traffic surging, the demand for reliable, high-speed communication networks has never been higher. At the same time, increasingly complex space missions and the growing requirements of global communication systems are pushing traditional radio frequency (RF) technology to its limits. As a result, organizations like NASA, Airbus, and other industry leaders are accelerating the adoption of laser communication systems, enabling ultra-fast, high-capacity free-space optical links for ground-to-space, air-to-space, and inter-satellite connectivity.
Laser communication systems provide a significant advantage over RF systems, offering higher data capacity, enhanced security, improved reliability, and reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements. Together, these benefits position optical communication as a transformative solution for both Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) missions and commercial free-space optical networks.
Nevertheless, laser communication faces critical technical and operational challenges. These include precise beam pointing requirements due to narrow beam profiles. Moreover, sensitivity to atmospheric interference, such as clouds, haze, or fog, is a concern. Solutions involve adaptive optics and advanced beam tracking systems. Ultimately, the performance of free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems depends on high-quality optical components. These components must be capable of stable operation under extreme conditions.
OPTOMAN’s laser communication optics are engineered with Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) coatings, a highly stable process that produces dense, amorphous layers fully resistant to mechanical wear, thermal cycling, and environmental changes. IBS-coated optics deliver near-scatter-free performance, ultra-low absorption, high resistance to high-power laser irradiation, and proven long-term stability.
These qualities make OPTOMAN optics ideal for mission-critical FSOC systems, ensuring reliable performance over extended operational lifetimes.
Design Example
OPTOMAN’s IBS-coated Laser Communication Mirrors are engineered to deliver high reflectivity, minimal absorption, and high LIDT, making them a reliable choice for demanding laser applications.
Optimized for operation at 1550 nm and a 45° angle of incidence, these mirrors ensure efficient beam control with exceptionally low loss and virtually no scattering in Laser Communication systems.
- High Reflectivity: HRs>99.95% & HRp>99.9% @ 1550 nm, AOI=45⁰
- Low Absorption: Minimizes thermal lensing and energy loss.
- Environmental Stability: Coating design suitable for environmental changes, thermal cycling, and mechanical wear.
- High LIDT: Increased resistance to laser-induced damage for long-term reliability.
- High Reflectance: HRp >98% @ 640-780 nm
- High Transmittance: HTsp >95% @ 1550-2500 nm, AOI=17° + ARsp <1% @ 1550-2500 nm, AOI=17°
- Environmental Stability: Coating design suitable for environmental changes, thermal cycling, and mechanical wear.
- High LIDT: Increased resistance to laser-induced damage for long-term reliability.
- High Beam Splitting Precision: Rs=50% +/-3% & Rp=50% +/-3% & |Rs-Rp|<3% @ 1550 nm, AOI=45 deg
- Environmental Stability: Coating design suitable for environmental changes, thermal cycling, and mechanical wear.
- High LIDT: Increased resistance to laser-induced damage for long-term reliability.
- Low Absorption: Minimizes thermal lensing and energy loss.
