Michel Sotom

Bio: Michel Sotom is an academic researcher from Alenia Aeronautica. The author has contributed to research in topics: Free-space optical communication & Photonics. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 57 publications receiving 296 citations. Previous affiliations of Michel Sotom include Alcatel-Lucent.

Radiation-resistant erbium-doped-nanoparticles optical fiber for space applications

Abstract: We demonstrate for the first time a radiation-resistant Erbium-Doped Fiber exhibiting performances that can fill the requirements of Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers for space applications. This is based on an Aluminum co-doping atom reduction enabled by Nanoparticules Doping-Process. For this purpose, we developed several fibers containing very different erbium and aluminum concentrations, and tested them in the same optical amplifier configuration. This work allows to bring to the fore a highly radiation resistant Erbium-doped pure silica optical fiber exhibiting a low quenching level. This result is an important step as the EDFA is increasingly recognized as an enabling technology for the extensive use of photonic sub-systems in future satellites.

Microwave photonic technologies for flexible satellite telecom payloads

Abstract: Photonics and microwave photonics are emerging as enabling technologies for advanced payload concepts with enhanced flexibility in future telecom satellites.

Optical feeder links for high throughput satellites

Abstract: Optical feeders for geostationary High Throughput Satellites (HTS) systems based on 1.55μm wavelength technology are expected to enable to transmit up to several terabits over one active link. A desirable option of transmission architecture is an optical feeder link transparent with respect to the user air interface. This can be implemented using either a digital or an analog modulation of the optical carrier. The digital option increases the optical bandwidth to be transmitted, however it benefits from error correcting codes, interleaving and framing which are efficient against atmospheric turbulence impairments. The analog option is more efficient concerning the optical bandwidth; however the atmospheric turbulence impairments can only be mitigated by a more complex optical ground terminal. Both analog and digital options could be feasible in the 2025-2030 time-frames but the digital option is more mature with respect to the atmosphere impairments mitigation techniques.

Theoretical explanation of enhanced low dose rate sensitivity in erbium-doped optical fibers

Abstract: A new theoretical framework is proposed to explain the dose and dose-rate dependence of radiation-induced absorption in optical fibers. A first-order dispersive kinetics model is used to simulate the growth of the density of color centers during an irradiation. This model succeeds in explaining the enhanced low dose rate sensitivity observed in certain kinds of erbium-doped optical fiber and provides some insight into the physical reasons behind this sensitivity.

Flexible photonic payload for broadband telecom satellites: from concepts to system demonstrators

Abstract: In the last decade, Thales Alenia Space has put significant research effort in photonic technologies for satellite applications, with the objective to provide telecom payload systems with enhanced functionality, higher performance and lower costs

Satellite Communications in the New Space Era: A Survey and Future Challenges

Abstract: Satellite communications (SatComs) have recently entered a period of renewed interest motivated by technological advances and nurtured through private investment and ventures. The present survey aims at capturing the state of the art in SatComs, while highlighting the most promising open research topics. Firstly, the main innovation drivers are motivated, such as new constellation types, on-board processing capabilities, non-terrestrial networks and space-based data collection/processing. Secondly, the most promising applications are described, i.e., 5G integration, space communications, Earth observation, aeronautical and maritime tracking and communication. Subsequently, an in-depth literature review is provided across five axes: i) system aspects, ii) air interface, iii) medium access, iv) networking, v) testbeds & prototyping. Finally, a number of future challenges and the respective open research topics are described.

Radiation Effects on Silica-Based Optical Fibers: Recent Advances and Future Challenges

Abstract: In this review paper, we present radiation effects on silica-based optical fibers. We first describe the mechanisms inducing microscopic and macroscopic changes under irradiation: radiation-induced attenuation, radiation-induced emission and compaction. We then discuss the influence of various parameters related to the optical fiber, to the harsh environments and to the fiber-based applications on the amplitudes and kinetics of these changes. Then, we focus on advances obtained over the last years. We summarize the main results regarding the fiber vulnerability and hardening to radiative constraints associated with several facilities such as Megajoule class lasers, ITER, LHC, nuclear power plants or with space applications. Based on the experience gained during these projects, we suggest some of the challenges that will have to be overcome in the near future to allow a deeper integration of fibers and fiber-based sensors in radiative environments.

Recent advances in radiation-hardened fiber-based technologies for space applications

Abstract: In this topical review, the recent progress on radiation-hardened fiber-based technologies is detailed, focusing on examples for space applications. In the first part of the review, we introduce the operational principles of the various fiber-based technologies considered for use in radiation environments: passive optical fibers for data links, diagnostics, active optical fibers for amplifiers and laser sources as well as the different classes of point and distributed fiber sensors: gyroscopes, Bragg gratings, Rayleigh, Raman or Brillouin-based distributed sensors. Second, we describe the state of the art regarding our knowledge of radiation effects on the performance of these devices, from the microscopic effects observed in the amorphous silica glass used to design fiber cores and cladding, to the macroscopic response of fiber-based devices and systems. Third, we present the recent advances regarding the hardening (improvement of the radiation tolerance) of these technologies acting on the material, device or system levels. From the review, the potential of fiber-based technologies for operation in radiation environments is demonstrated and the future challenges to be overcome in the coming years are presented.

Satellite Payloads Pay Off

Abstract: Software-Defined Satellite Payloads Based on Microwave Photonics! Satellite communication offers a number of distinct features that are not readily available with other means of communication, such as seamless coverage of remote and sparsely populated areas, reliable data relay for deep-space exploration, inherent multicasting and broadcasting capabilities, and reliable performance in extreme conditions (e.g., war, earthquakes, and other adverse events) [1], [2]. In recent years, the steep rise in mobile multimedia applications and increased space exploration activity have created unprecedented opportunities for innovative satellite communication. According to a report provided by the Satellite Industry Association in September 2014, the global revenue of the satellite communication industry for 2013 reached US$189.2 billion-60% of global space revenue and 4% of global telecommunications revenue [3]. Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, and many other large technology companies are currently seeking to bolster their satellite communication systems in the next five to ten years, fostering a continuous increase of revenue in this area.