Free-space laser communication ( lasercom ) is poised to revolutionize space space-based data transmission by enabling links with vastly higher data rates and longer ranges than are practically achievable with radio radio-frequency systems. MIT Lincoln Laboratory and NASA recently demonstrated a record record-breaking high high-datadata-rate lasercom link from a spacecraft orbiting the moon to ground stations on Earth with the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration ( LLCD).

Although we won’t be sending laser beams into space, this class will provide students with hands hands-on experience designing and building a basic lasercom system. The accompanying lectures will provide an overview of lasercom concepts, lasers and optical components, lasercomlasercom-relevant electronics, communication link design, and analog and digital modulation techniques. Students will learn to apply these principles by building their own free free-space lasercom systems, and will work in teams to compete for a best best-project award.

Instructors (MITLL): Dave Caplan, Katia Shtyrkova, Rich Kaminsky, David Starling, Catherine Lockton, Jesse Chang