We confirmed that a Silicon Photomultiplier can be used as low-cost optical satellite communication receiver for speeds up to 50+Mbps and low intensity down to nano-Watt.
Silicon Photonmultipliers (SiPMs) also known as Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) have drawn much attention as an interesting photo-detection solution when working with very low intensity, thanks to several specific characteristics suitable for optical communication.
The goal for this project, together with Libre Space Foundation (LSF), was to assess whether SiPM sensors could effectively capture laser communication signals from Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Experiments yielded promising results. We were able to successfully decode a pseudo-random bitstream at 50 Mbps, even under extremely low power conditions. This is a significant milestone, as it demonstrates the capability of SiPM sensors to detect signals at levels critical for receiving data from space, examining factors like signal thresholds, amplifier behavior, and the impact of microcell depletion on signal quality.
One noteworthy finding was the critical importance of the SiPM sensor’s low-intensity threshold. This threshold, determined by the signal-to-noise ratio, proved instrumental in ensuring accurate data decoding. Additionally, insights into amplifier saturation, microcell depletion effects, and signal delay characteristics were uncovered, all of which contributed to our understanding of SiPM sensor performance in real-world scenarios.
In conclusion, this project represents a step forward in exploring the potential of SiPM sensors for enhancing communication systems. Our findings underscore the viability of these sensors as cost-effective solutions for capturing laser downlink signals from LEO satellites, paving the way for future advancements in this field.
