Abstract

As in the microwave region, the most sensitive communication receivers for the optical region will be realized by employing the homodyne principle. This requires mixing the received signal with a coherent phase-synchronized local oscillator laser. Under contract with the European Space Agency we have investigated theoretically and experimentally the utilization of a phase-locked loop (PLL) for carrier regeneration at the CO₂ laser wavelength of 10 μm.

© 1982 Optical Society of America