PAT Jitter Stabilization

Abstract : This report contains the results of our efforts in providing both theoretical and experimental information on selection of control systems for stabilizing optical beams used as signal carriers in communications systems, with the major system goal being high speed inter-satellite links. The work described here applies advanced control techniques to improving the dynamic performance of a fast steering mirror in the presence of platform vibration; the response of the mirror was analyzed, revealing the existence of cross channel coupling resulting from mechanical bending modes. The model reference control approach was then employed in designing an adaptive modification of the existing control system, and the results experimentally verified using the PAT test bed at Rome Laboratory.