Probabilistic model to spatially acquire optical links in space under the influence of band-limited beam jitter

Abstract

An analytical model is derived for the probability of failure (P-fail) to spatially acquire an optical link with a jittering search beam. The analytical model accounts for an arbitrary jitter spectrum and considers the associated correlations between jitter excursions on adjacent tracks of the search spiral. An expression of P-fail in terms of basic transcendental functions is found by linearizing the exact analytical model with respect to the correlation strength. Predictions from the models indicate a strong decrease of P-fail with increasing correlation strength, which is found to be in excellent agreement with results from Monte Carlo simulations. The dependency of P-fail on the track width and scan speed is investigated, confirming previous assumptions about the impact of correlations. Expressions and applicable constraints are derived for the limits of full and no correlations, and the optimal track width to minimize the acquisition time is computed for a range of scan speeds. The model is applicable to optical terminals equipped with a fast beam steering mirror, as often found for optical communications missions in space.