Mitsubishi Electric Develops World’s First Laser Communication Terminal Integrating Space Optical Communication and Spatial Acquisition

Rhea-AI Summary

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has unveiled a groundbreaking prototype of the world's first optical receiver for laser communication terminals (LCTs). This innovation integrates space optical communications using laser beams with the ability to detect beam direction in the 1.5-μm band, a standard for terrestrial fiber optics. This technology aims to enhance data transmission speed and capacity, crucial for real-time damage assessments in disaster situations, overcoming limitations of traditional radio wave methods.

Positive

• Development of the world's first optical receiver for LCTs.
• Enhances high-speed, large-capacity satellite communications.
• Improves real-time data transmission for disaster assessments.

Negative

• None.

Will enable high-speed, large-capacity satellite communications anywhere on Earth

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has developed the prototype of what is believed to be the world’s first^* optical receiver for use in laser communication terminals (LCTs), that integrates space optical communication using laser beams and a function to detect the direction of received beams in the 1.5-μm band, a general-purposeband used for terrestrial optical fiber communications and other applications.

High-resolution satellite imagery is used to assess damage caused by disasters, but since such images are transmitted via radio waves it has been difficult to transmit high-resolution images in real time due to limitations in data capacity and the size of satellite antennas. Large-capacity, high-speed space optical communications that do not require optical fiber are thus required to support fast and accurate damage assessments following disasters. But space optical communications use very narrow laser beams, about 1/1000th of that of radio waves, so the challenge has been how to precisely align laser beams with satellites traveling at high speed.

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Customer Inquiries

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Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

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Media Inquiries

Takeyoshi Komatsu

Public Relations Division

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Tel: +81-3-3218-2346

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Source: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of Mitsubishi Electric's new optical receiver technology?

The new optical receiver technology enables high-speed, large-capacity satellite communications critical for real-time damage assessments following disasters.

When was the optical receiver prototype announced by Mitsubishi Electric?

The optical receiver prototype was announced on May 30, 2022.

How does the optical receiver improve satellite communication?

It integrates laser communication with beam direction detection, allowing for precise alignment and transmission of high-resolution data.

What challenges does the optical receiver technology address?

It addresses the limitations of data capacity and speed in current satellite communications, which rely on radio waves.

What applications can benefit from Mitsubishi Electric's optical receiver?

This technology can be particularly beneficial for disaster response, allowing for faster and more accurate damage assessments.