81-beam coherent combination using a programmable array generator
Qiang Du, Dan Wang, Tong Zhou, Derun Li, Russell Wilcox
Abstract
We have generated 81 independently controllable beams using a spatial light modulator and combined them on a diffractive combiner, to characterize the combiner and develop a fast phase error detection scheme. A key parameter of the diffractive combiner is measured in a new way, enabling an efficient combination when programming calibrated phases of each beam. This testbed provides a platform for development of advanced feedback phase control of high channel-count beam combination.
Topics & Concepts
OpticsSpatial light modulatorBeam (structure)TestbedComputer sciencePhase (matter)Phase modulationGenerator (circuit theory)Channel (broadcasting)Phase controlFree-space optical communicationDiffractionPhysicsOptical communicationTelecommunicationsPhase noisePower (physics)Computer networkQuantum mechanicsOptical Coherence Tomography ApplicationsPhotonic Crystal and Fiber OpticsPhotorefractive and Nonlinear Optics