Far-field pattern simulation and measurement for a free-space laser communication terminal

Simulation of far-field pattern (FFP) of a terminal is needed for the free-space laser communication. Hence a measuring system which uses a point source and a mirror to get the FFP from the focal plane of a lens is established. The measurements of FFP's first, second, third dark ring diameters have a relative error less than 5% comparing with the theory ones, which proves that the method can simulate the FFP of the terminal precisely. The method is useful for researches on acquisition probabilities and power computation of an optical inter-satellite link (ISL). It is also useful for the judgment of the free-space laser communication terminal.EI05658-6613