ABSTRACT
This chapter describes various options for optical design of the transceiver and the optomechanical assembly that is required to properly put metal around the optics. Since lasercom from space frequently requires microradian-level beam pointing, the optomechanical assembly has to follow highly stringent tolerances to prevent disturbing the laser beam-pointing process. Also, laser communications transceivers for use in space or high altitude platforms (HAPs) are often severely constrained in terms of mass and size. This leads to the requirement for highly innovative optical assembly designs and use of mechanical components that not only provide the required stability and rigidity but can equally satisfy the low-mass requirements.
