Broadband Communications in Space

Paper Summary:

This is a technical work where the author discusses new, cutting edge technologies and their possible application for interplanetary communication. Specifically, the author refers to broadband communications technologies and the recent development of nanowire technology that enables the construction of microscopically thin cables, which, because of their extreme sensitivity and the great distance of interplanetary space, hold great potential for the development of new communication devices and technologies.

Table of ontents:
Introduction
Issues Facing Interplanetary Communication
Optical Communications Instead of RF Transmissions
Designing an Effective Photo-Detector
The Advances Possible with Nanowires
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"The design of the MIT photo-detector is relatively simple from an engineering standpoint (see Appendix for diagram of the photo-detector). This is especially true considering the high degree of efficiency it is capable of producing. Of course, the simplicity of the design belies the significant calibration the device requires: the nanowire must be cooled to almost absolute zero, the glass gap of the photon trap must be a very specific function of the wavelength of incoming photons, and the use of an anti-reflective coating on the surface of the device is critical. The design consists of a photon trap with a nanowire detector followed by a gap of glass, and then a mirrored surface. The nanowire is wrapped in a tight coil in order to maximize its absorption of incoming photons, and the nanowire is cooled to close to absolute zero, three degree Kelvin to be precise, which transforms the nanowire into a very small superconductor. As a superconductor, the nanowire responds in specific ways to photons that impact the nanowire allowing for detection."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Berggren, Karl K. and Kerman, Andrew J. "Emerging Detector Devices: Nanowires Detect Individual Infrared Photons." Laser Focus World (1 Sept. 2006). 8 Dec. 2007 <http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/272171>.
• Gawell, Richard. "Photon Detector Speeds Up Interplanetary Communications." Electronic Design (27 Apr. 2006): 25.
• Groshong, Kimm. "Photon Detector Is Precursor to Broadband in Space." New Scientist Space (21 Mar. 2006). 8 Dec. 2007 <http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn8877-photon-detector-is-precursor-to-broadband-in-space.html>.
• Rosfjord, Kristine M., Yang, Joel J.W., Dauler, Eric A., Kerman, Andrew J., Anant, Vikas, Voronov, Boris M., Gol'tsman, Gregor N., and Berggren, Karl K. "Nanowire Single-Photon Detector with an Integrated Optical cavity and Anti-Reflection Coating." Optics Express 14.2 (23 Jan. 2006): 527-534.

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