Mutual alignment errors analysis based on wavelet due to antenna deformations in inter-satellite laser communications

Wavelet analysis is employed in the paper to model diversified optical antenna deformations in inter-satellite laser communications. Mutual alignment errors, which comprise pointing and tracking errors, caused by the deformations are investigated with the model. Theoretical and numerical analysis show that both errors increase with the dilation factor of the model. Tracking error increases monotonously with the shift factor of the model, while pointing error increases first, and then decreases. When the deformation can be well approximated to a constant, both errors fluctuate periodically with the coefficient of the model. Otherwise, there is no obvious regularity for both errors with the increase of the coefficient. A reference for the machining precision of optical antennas is presented, and a method to reduce the effect of deformations is recommended. It is hoped that the study can contribute to improve the performance of inter-satellite laser communication systems.

► Reflection-style optical antenna deformations are modeled by wavelet.
► Mutual alignment errors are investigated with the parameters of the model.
► A reference for machining precision of optical antennas and is presented.
► A method to reduce the effect of deformations is recommended.