High Power Uplink Amplifier for Deep Space Communications

Critical to the success of delivering on the promise of deep space optical communications is the creation of a stable and reliable high power multichannel optical uplink/beacon. Optical Engines proposes to demonstrate in phase 1 a 1kW compact and low cost fiber amplifier suited to the uplink application. This will be accomplished through the use of Optical Engines proprietary Multi-Fiber Coupled 2.5kW laser diode stacks, its Etched Taper All Fiber Combiner Technology and a custom designed Photonic Crystal Fiber. By building upon existing fiber amplifier work this demonstration can be accomplished in the Phase 1 time frame. From this demonstration, a 4 channel 4kW total power amplifier array will be constructed during phase II to be integrated into existing NASA deep space communications up link infrastructure.