Oerlikon Contraves Ag

Contraves Space Ag

Juerg Balmer

Jean-Michel Mayor

Thomas Graf

The invention relates to devices for the quantum-optical amplification of modulated light, in particular in optical free-space communications systems. In the process a light beam (,) is conducted through a plurality of adjoining crystals (,), (,), (,), which are delimited from each other by means of polarization-selectively reflecting layers (,), (,). The light beam (,) is repeatedly reflected at the edge areas of the crystals into quarter-wave plates (,), (,), (,), (,), (,), and in the process its polarization is respectively rotated by 90 degrees.

Device for quantum optical amplification

The instant invention relates to a laser system for optical free space communications, in particular the generation of amplified laser light under conditions in outer space. In the process, an optical beam (72) to be amplified is conducted via a polarizing beam splitter (71) to a Faraday rotator (70) and brought from there to a neodymium crystal (68). By means of reflection, appropriate diffraction and passage through a quarter-wave plate (67), a multiple passage through the neodymium crystal (68) is forced and amplification is achieved by this.

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Biel, Switzerland

Juerg Balmer