Optical Receivers


Optical receivers are devices that detect and convert optical signals into electrical signals. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, optical receivers are used in various applications such as satellite communication, deep space communication, and remote sensing. Optical receivers are preferred over traditional radio frequency (RF) receivers in space communication due to their higher data rates, lower power consumption, and smaller size. Optical receivers consist of a photodetector, an amplifier, and a signal processor. The photodetector converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and processed to extract the information. The performance of optical receivers is characterized by parameters such as sensitivity, bandwidth, and dynamic range.


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