Diffractive optics for compact space communication terminals

Free-space laser communication links with data rates between 10 and 500 Mbits s−1 are required to cover the large amount of communication needs between low-orbit satellites, geostationary satellites and ground stations. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of diffactive optical elements for the design of optical and optoelectronic systems for advanced laser communication terminals. Three different examples have been realized: a ring pattern generator, an athermalized and achromatic hybrid collimator system, and a hybrid beacon system.