Implementation and Characterization of a Prototype of Optical Free-space Interconnect for Space Applications

As we advanced into the information age, the need for high capacity communication channels is becoming ubiquitous. As the next generation of satellites is being deployed there is a need for efficient interconnections between them, especially for those forming low earth orbiting constellations for the coming Internet-of-Space applications. The limited radio frequency spectrum available is not sufficient to implement these communication links, and thus, free-space optical interconnects (FSOIs) are expected to become the technology of choice to interconnect satellites. Reflex Photonics, a company from Kirkland, Quebec, has been providing optical interconnect solutions for connections inside satellites for the past 3 years and now wants to explore how it can leverage its expertise to build FSOI transmitters for space applications. To do this, they want collaborate with Prof. Ménard of UQAM to develop a FSOI transmitter demonstrator in order to investigate the challenges of implementing this technology for space applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michaël Ménard

Student:

Partner:

Reflex Photonics

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program: