High-Throughput And Robust Optical Telescope Technologies For Space Laser Communications And Quantum Key Distribution

Scalable and robust space telescope fore-optics designs and technologies are poised to revolutionize high-throughput space laser communication and quantum key distribution. At the University of Arizona, in collaboration with partnering institutions, various optical design, fabrication, and testing technologies have been developed. This work presents an optical design that enables a large-aperture telescope, significantly increasing throughput, along with a wide field of view to enhance system robustness. Additionally, several novel manufacturing approaches for realizing and scaling the system will be discussed, supported by demonstration outcomes and performance verification testing methods. Daewook Kim is an associate professor of Optical Sciences and Astronomy at the University of Arizona. He has devoted his efforts to a multitude of space and ground-based large optical engineering projects. Kim's academic contributions include authoring over 350 journal/conference papers. He is a SPIE and OPTICA Fellow and elected to the SPIE Board of Directors for the term spanning 2024 to 2026.