Dr. Robert T. Carlson Profile

Dr. Robert T. Carlson

System Architect at Aerospace Corp

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Proceedings Article | 3 July 2003 Paper

Active pointing for terrestrial free-space optics

G. Mecherle, Robert Carlson, P. Bandera

Proceedings Volume 4975, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.483833

KEYWORDS: Free space optics, Telecommunications, Mirrors, Scintillation, Active optics, Transceivers, Transmitters, Free space optical communications, Receivers, Indium gallium arsenide

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 April 2002 Paper

Environmental qualification and field test results for the SONAbeam 155 and 622

Robert Carlson, Slawomir Paciorek

Proceedings Volume 4635, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.464104

KEYWORDS: Scintillation, Transmitters, Free space optics, Telecommunications, Receivers, Modulation, Signal attenuation, Data communications, Power supplies, Electromagnetism

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 27 November 2001 Paper

Environmental qualification and field test results for the SONAbeam 155-M

Robert Carlson, Slawomir Paciorek

Proceedings Volume 4530, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.449799

KEYWORDS: Scintillation, Transmitters, Free space optics, Receivers, Error analysis, Modulation, Telecommunications, Power supplies, Electromagnetism, Signal attenuation

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 April 1995 Paper

Monolithic glass block lasercom terminal: hardware proof of concept and test results

Robert Carlson, Marvin Drake, Jerold Jaeger

Proceedings Volume 2381, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207429

KEYWORDS: Optical filters, Glasses, Semiconductor lasers, Bandpass filters, Receivers, Satellites, Optical design, Liquid crystals, Laser optics, Polarization

Read Abstract +

We summarize a compact lasercom terminal implementation based on a previously described system concept, and report on measurements made on a prototype optical system built on internal MITRE funds. This paper discusses the fabrication and test of an innovative hardware proof-of-concept for an advanced satellite lasercom terminal with a ten-fold size, weight, and production cost reduction over current practice. We have built and tested a proof-of-concept of the optics portion of a full duplex `monolithic glass block' (MGB) lasercom terminal. The complete MGB optical system is only 6' X 4' X 0.5' and weighs less than a pound. A complete terminal which includes a 3 - 4 inch telescope and gimbal could be implemented for as little as 15 - 30 pounds. The optical system test results are reported. Our approach uses emerging technologies and a highly integrated system design, based on representative system requirements for satellite crosslinks. Technology evaluation and system trades led to a novel optics design for a lasercom terminal, based on thin film coatings and half-inch glass cubes. The emerging photonic technologies employed include liquid crystals for solid state switching, automatic gain control, and microradian alignment; multi-layer dielectric films for optical bandpass filters, dichroic separation, and polarization control; semiconductor lasers with microlens optics; and an original design where all the optics are realized in planar thin films incorporated on small glass substrates, nominally one-half inch in size. These glass cubes are permanently bonded together to form a monolithic ensemble. Hence, we have coined this implementation the monolithic glass block (MGB) approach. Fused silica is used throughout for reasons of superb radiation resistance and thermal stability. The thin film filters, switches, and polarizers perform all the necessary functions in collimated light. This approach is feasible because the optical paths have been dramatically reduced to eliminate the need for relay optics, and the design has been refined such that the entire optical assembly is implemented with a single lens for each laser transmitter for beamforming, and a single lens for each receiver for imaging. The collimated optics design and MGB approach results in greatly relaxed fabrication, alignment, and assembly requirements, which are dominant schedule and cost drivers in the implementation of current lasercom terminal designs.

Proceedings Article | 20 April 1995 Paper

Testbed measurements of subcarrier OQPSK versus digital OOK laser intensity modulation at 266 to 1244 Mbps

Robert Carlson

Proceedings Volume 2381, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207414

KEYWORDS: Modulation, Receivers, Optical testing, Avalanche photodetectors, Frequency converters, Solid state lighting, Microwave radiation, Phase shift keying, Clocks, Laser optics

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 August 1993 Paper

Analog-modulated satellite laser crosslinks at 300 and 650 Mbps

Robert Carlson

Proceedings Volume 1866, (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.149238

KEYWORDS: Modulation, Receivers, Optical filters, Analog electronics, Wavelength division multiplexing, Semiconductor lasers, Satellites, Avalanche photodetectors, Optical testing, Interfaces

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 August 1993 Paper

Laser communications for covert links

Jerold Jaeger, Robert Carlson

Proceedings Volume 1866, (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.149230

KEYWORDS: Receivers, Sensors, Signal detection, Eye, Laser safety, Transmitters, Atmospheric monitoring, Safety, Semiconductor lasers, Electronics

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 June 1991 Paper

Liquid crystals for lasercom applications

Chinh Tan, Robert Carlson

Proceedings Volume 1417, (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43769

KEYWORDS: Wave plates, Polarization, Laser applications, Molecules, Liquid crystals, Switching, Free space optical communications, Birefringence, Switches, Free space optics

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 July 1990 Paper

Technologies and techniques for lasercom terminal size, weight, and cost reduction

Robert Carlson

Proceedings Volume 1218, (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.18174

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Telescopes, Mirrors, Laser applications, GRIN lenses, Optical components, Optical instrument design, Space telescopes, Silica, Glasses

Read Abstract +

Showing 5 of 9 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (7)

Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXI

28 January 2009 | San Jose, California, United States

Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XX

24 January 2008 | San Jose, California, United States

Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIX

25 January 2007 | San Jose, California, United States

Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XVIII

24 January 2006 | San Jose, California, United States

Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XVII

25 January 2005 | San Jose, California, United States

Showing 5 of 7 Conference Committees

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years