Fast Steering Mirror for Outer Space/Free-Space Optical Communication

Despite poor lighting conditions, you can still capture clear photos, take snapshots without blurring, recognize traffic signs and road markers, or use specific systems to identify dangerous situations— all of this can now be achieved with modern cameras. But how is the static and video image quality of cameras or smartphones? And how does it compare with models from other suppliers? 

End-users, smartphone and camera manufacturers, automotive or aerospace companies, those in medical and security fields, or automation technology companies—all have higher demands for the quality of static and video images and are actively seeking answers to these questions. 

Why Choose Fast Steering Mirrors?

Due to the low divergence of the laser beam, it is crucial to seek accurate alignment solutions to maintain beam precision over the long distances covered in satellite-to-satellite links, ground-to-satellite, or outer space communications. Besides rough pointing systems that can be achieved through satellite attitude systems, high-speed fine pointing systems are needed to counteract vibrations from the satellite (e.g., stabilization systems). In ground-to-satellite communications, atmospheric turbulence is another factor that can cause the beam to deviate from its original path. On the receiving end, the laser beam is coupled into a single-mode fiber, requiring extremely high precision to avoid light power loss. Piezoelectric or electromagnetic Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM) can offer angle resolution as low as nano-arcsecond levels and mechanical bandwidths up to the kHz range. The mirror structures are compact, fast, and precise enough to handle common disturbances in these applications. While piezoelectric ceramic-driven FSMs offer higher resolution and bandwidth, electromagnetic units (often voice coil-driven FSMs) can achieve larger steering angles. Since the 1990s, BENA's Fast Steering Mirror technology has been used in ground-based and space-based testing and implementations. BENA's solutions offer efficient fast designs based on piezoelectric or electromagnetic drives, including various off-the-shelf products and confidential custom products, with more to come in the future. If you need to leverage our engineering team’s expertise in Fast Steering Mirrors, please do not hesitate to contact us.