Miniaturized coherent transmitter-receiver system

The development of a stable compact rugged CO2-waveguide laser transmitter 5 in. in length and with an output power of 2-3 W is described along with an ultraminiature waveguide laser 2 in. in length as a compact local oscillator for coherent receivers. Frequency control is carried out by temperature control of the cavity but will later be accomplished by means of piezoelectric translators. Both lasers are discussed in terms of output power, frequency stability, mode quality, pressure optimization and efficiency measurements. It is shown that a compact and rugged coherent receiver can be built for use in many field applications. Further investigations will be directed toward increasing the output power and improving the long-term stability of the laser.