Description: Optical communications through the atmosphere can be challenging due to the effects of atmospheric turbulence. To advance the technology readiness of this concept; we will procure and integrate a multi-channel integrated PIC receiver; develop the software codes; and perform a laboratory demonstration of real-time coherent combining in the laboratory environment. We will deliver hardware that can be directly integrated into a ground terminal to receive a space-to-ground communications link.

Benefits: Reconstrucing a coherent signal post-detection using multiple phase measurements with a photonic lantern may enable vastly cheaper coherent detection than adaptive optics (AO) systems which require additional compensation for distortions in the optical wavefront.