Optical Phase Conjugation for Removing Small Space Debris

Abstract

Small space debris removal using phase conjugate light (PCL) was proposed. Required PCL energy for deorbiting debris rotating in the low-earth orbit was estimated to be several kilojoules. A flash-lamp pumped Nd:YAG resonator was used as a phase conjugator to achieve a simple-structured, all-optical debris tracking and pointing system. PCL generation was succeeded and its time-reversal property was demonstrated. Introducing MOPA system was discussed to be an effective way to increase PCL energy without losing beam quality.