The Laser Beam Riding Guidance Polarization Encoding In Space Technology And Its Modulator Performance Study

The fundamental theory of laser beam riding guidance is introduced, based on which the process of polarization coding is investigated and then a laser beam riding guidance system is designed. Theoretical analysis indicates that polarization states, the modulating electric field direction as well as off-axial light can all affect the processing of polarization coding. Corresponding formulation is derived and coincided with experimental results. It is concluded that influences of polarization states, direction of modulating electric field and off-axial light on polarization encoding should be avoided. Some classifications of laser-induced damage, their mechanism as well as the calculation of damage threshold and methods to avoid this damage are summarized for polarized light out from LiNbO₃. Influences of optical asymmetry on polarization coding are analyzed and a solution is proposed.