Fiber Optic Components for Laser Communication
Enabling the next generation of laser communications
Laser communication transmits data using modulated optical beams instead of radio frequency (RF) signals, enabling far higher bandwidth, narrower beam footprints, and reduced interference between satellites, ground stations, aircraft, and unmanned platforms. Coastal Connections, a subsidiary of Impact ES, has manufactured the space-qualified fiber optic components inside these systems since 2003, including our Qualified FC (QFC) connector, fiber end-caps for single-mode and polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers, vacuum-compatible cable assemblies, multi-channel vacuum feedthroughs, and high-power SM and PM cables and ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, and NASA 8739.5 certified.
What is laser communication?
Laser communication, also called optical communication, free-space optical (FSO) communication, or laser comm, uses modulated light, typically near 1550 nm, to carry data between two points. It is used for:
- Optical inter-satellite links (OISL) in LEO and GEO constellations
- Satellite-to-ground optical downlinks
- Lunar and deep-space high-data-rate links (for example, NASA's LCRD and TBIRD demonstrations)
- Airborne and UAV optical communication terminals
- Defense communications where low probability of intercept and high bandwidth are required
Compared to traditional RF links, laser communication offers data rates orders of magnitude higher, no spectrum-licensing burden, and inherently narrower beams that make signals harder to detect or jam.
A laser communication terminal generally contains a laser source, an optical telescope or aperture, fine-pointing optics, a fiber-coupled signal path, and a fiber-to-free-space interface. The reliability of that fiber path — and especially the connector and end-cap at the fiber-to-free-space transition — is one of the largest determinants of overall link performance.
How Coastal Connections supports laser communication programs
Since 2003, we have specialized in the fiber-side components that make optical communication links reliable in vacuum, across wide temperature ranges, and at high optical power.
We work with laser communication programs at every stage:
- Prototype and developmental terminals: fast-turn pigtails, matched-length cables, and one-off feedthroughs.
- Flight-qualified assemblies: components built under NASA 8739.5 and ITAR-controlled processes.
- Production-volume builds: Coastal Connections produces over 50,000 fiber optic cables annually across medical, space, defense, and industrial markets.
Products for laser communication systems
| Product | Function | Why is matters for laser comm |
|---|---|---|
| QFC: Qualified FC Connector | Space-tested FC-style mating connector | Tested to survive 10 years of thermal cycling in space; reduces program risk on flight hardware. |
| Fiber End-Caps (SM and PM) | Sealed glass cap fused to the fiber tip | Prevents air–fiber damage at the free-space interface; Coastal is the world's leading supplier of fiber end-caps in ferrules and connectors. |
| High-Power SM & PM Cables | Single-mode and PM cables for high-power signals | Connectors built by Coastal have survived 150 W continuous and 2,000 W pulses. |
| Vacuum-Compatible Cables | Cables rated for spacecraft, payload, and chamber environments | Operate down to −200 °C; no outgassing-driven failures. |
| Multi-Channel Vacuum Feedthroughs | Hermetic feedthroughs that pass multiple PM fibers into a vacuum chamber | Coastal is one of the only suppliers in the world capable of multi-PM-fiber feedthroughs. |
| Glass Capillaries | Precision capillaries aligning multiple fibers in a single ferrule | Critical for multi-channel optical heads and interferometric pointing systems. |
Engineering capabilities
- Fiber types: SM, PM, MM, LMA, photonic crystal, mid-IR
- PM alignment: PM fibers aligned to one another, to stress-rod orientation, or to ferrule features, measured to 1/100° of a degree
- Precision lengths: matched optical path lengths to ±0.1% + 1.5 mm; time-delay matching to ±20 ps
- Polishing: 0° to 50° polish angles; ±0.5° tolerance; fiber diameters 80 µm to 3.5 mm
- Splicing: PM, SM, MM, LMA, and photonic-crystal fiber splicing offered as a service
- Testing wavelengths: 405, 488, 640, 780, 980, 1060, 1310, 1550 nm
- Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER): measured automatically over time and temperature
- Thermal cycling in-house: −65 °C to +150 °C
- Extended environmental testing: through our local partner Experior Labs
Quality, certifications, and ITAR compliance
- ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System
- ITAR Registered: controlled defense-article work supported in-house
- NASA 8739.5: Certified operators for space flight hardware
Every laser communication assembly is built under documented termination procedures that exceed industry standards. The same processes used on space-qualified hardware are applied across our defense and commercial work.
Speak with an engineer
The engineers who designed the QFC connector, the end-caps, and the vacuum feedthroughs on this page are the ones who'll read your message, not a sales rep, not a queue. Tell us what you're building.
A connected partner across Impact Electronic Solutions' national footprint
Coastal Connections is a subsidiary of Impact Electronic Solutions, a multi-site electronics manufacturing family with facilities coast to coast. Laser communication programs can source under a single supplier relationship from:
- Ventura, California: fiber optic cable assemblies, space-qualified QFC connectors, fiber end-caps, vacuum feedthroughs, and the laser communication components covered on this page.
- Vancouver, Washington: full-service PCBA manufacturing and full-turnkey electronics production supporting medical, defense, aerospace, unmanned systems, industrial, and instrumentation programs.
- Grants Pass, Oregon: cable and wire harness assembly, electronic sub-assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, and full box builds, with cable & harness manufacturing experience dating back to 1974.
- Clearwater, Florida: turnkey production for aerospace, defense, and homeland security customers, aligned with U.S. Department of Defense affordability initiatives.
- Cranston, Rhode Island: design and engineering services, including electrical and software engineering for high-end medical, industrial, and manufacturing products.
The result is one trusted partner spanning fiber, electronics, design, and integration — supported coast to coast.
Request a quote or talk to engineering
If your laser communication program needs space-qualified fiber optic components, prototype pigtails, or production-volume assemblies, our engineering team can quote in days, not weeks.
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is the difference between laser communication and RF communication?
Laser (optical) communication carries data on modulated light, typically near 1550 nm, while RF communication uses radio waves. Laser links deliver data rates orders of magnitude higher than RF, do not require radio spectrum licensing, and produce narrower beams that are inherently harder to detect or jam. RF remains better for wide-area, non-line-of-sight links; laser is preferred for high-bandwidth point-to-point links such as satellite-to-satellite crosslinks and satellite-to-ground downlinks.
What fiber optic components are used in laser communication systems?
A laser communication terminal typically uses single-mode (SM) and polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber cable assemblies, a space- or environmentally qualified mating connector, sealed fiber end-caps at the fiber-to-free-space interface, and for orbital and payload systems, vacuum-compatible cables and feedthroughs. Coastal Connections manufactures all of these components.
Why are fiber end-caps important in free-space optical communication?
End-caps protect the fiber core from contamination and damage at the air–fiber interface, where high optical power can otherwise cause catastrophic failure. They also expand the beam at the exit face, reducing power density. Coastal Connections is the world's leading supplier of fiber end-caps for SM and PM fibers in ferrules and connectors.
What is a space-qualified fiber optic connector?
A space-qualified connector is one that has been tested and shown to survive the thermal, vacuum, vibration, and radiation environments of spaceflight without performance degradation. Coastal Connections' Qualified FC (QFC) connector was tested to survive ten years of thermal cycling in space.
What wavelengths does Coastal Connections support for laser communication testing?
We test and qualify components at 405, 488, 640, 780, 980, 1060, 1310, and 1550 nm. The 1550 nm wavelength is the most common for space-based laser communication because of its eye-safety properties, low atmospheric attenuation, and mature telecom component ecosystem.
Is Coastal Connections ITAR registered?
Yes. Coastal Connections is ITAR registered and supports defense and government programs subject to U.S. export controls. We are also ISO 9001:2015 certified, and our operators are certified to NASA 8739.5 for spaceflight assembly work.
Can Coastal Connections support both single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber for laser communication?
Yes. We routinely terminate, polish, splice, and qualify SM and PM fibers for laser communication systems, including PM fiber alignment to within 1/100° of a degree, PM splicing as a service, and PER testing across temperature.
Where is Coastal Connections located?
Yes. We routinely terminate, polish, splice, and qualify SM and PM fibers for laser communication systems, including PM fiber alignment to within 1/100° of a degree, PM splicing as a service, and PER testing across temperature.
(805) 644-5051
2085 SPERRY AVENUE SUITE B
VENTURA, CA 93003