Semiconductor guidestar laser for astronomy, space, and laser communications: prototype design and expected performance

Céline D'Orgeville*, Gregory J. Fetzer, Steven Floyd, Luke Hill, Steve Rako, Nathan Woody, Sandalphon, Francis Bennet, Antonin Bouchez, Yue Gao, Michael Goodwin, Andrew Lambert, James Mason, Francois Rigaut, Stuart Ryder, Daniel Shaddock, Robert Sharp

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
36 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A new type of sodium guidestar laser based on semiconductor laser technology is being developed by the astronomy, space, and laser communication communities in Australia and the United States, in partnership with laser manufacturer Arete Associates. Funding has been secured from the Australian Research Council and the Australian National University, with support from academic (UNSW) and industry partners (AAO, GMTO, EOS, Lockheed Martin). The consortium aims to develop a full scale prototype of the Semiconductor Guidestar Laser. The laser, to be delivered in 2019, will be initially installed on the EOS Satellite and Debris Tracking Station 1.8m telescope at Mount Stromlo Observatory where it will be thoroughly tested, on sky and in real operation conditions. This will be the first time that a Laser Guide Star is created in Australian skies. We present the project motivation and objectives, laser development and test plans, and the preliminary test results obtained to date.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdaptive Optics Systems VI
EditorsLaird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt
Place of PublicationBellingham, Washington
PublisherSPIE
Pages107030T-1-107030T-12
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781510619609
ISBN (Print)9781510619593
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jul 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventAdaptive Optics Systems VI 2018 - Austin, United States
Duration: 10 Jun 201815 Jun 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE
Volume10703
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAdaptive Optics Systems VI 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin
Period10/06/1815/06/18

Bibliographical note

Copyright 2018 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.

Keywords

  • laser communications
  • optically-pumped semiconductor laser
  • semiconductor guidestar laser
  • Sodium laser guide star adaptive optics
  • space situational awareness

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