Miniature lasercomm module for integration into a small unmanned aerial platform

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing a small lasercomm terminal for both direct lasercomm and communication to a modulated retroreflector (MRR). A gimbal from Cloud Cap Technology serves as the terminal positioner, which is to be integrated onto a small, unmanned airborne vehicle. A lasercomm module must be developed that meets size, weight, power, and optical performance requirements. The final module incorporates the shared optics, the tracking optic and detector, and the lasercomm receiver optics and detector. This module was designed, fabricated, assembled, and integrated into the Cloud Cap T2 gimbal. After integration, the tracking signals were measured in the lab to establish the field of view and response to pointing errors.