
ABSTRACT This paper introduces the Photon Pipeline, a distributed network of resonant optical stations designed to maintain, amplify, and guide coherent light over extremely long distances in space. The architecture operates as a free-space photonic waveguide, enabling the transport of optical energy, high-bandwidth communication, and propulsion-grade radiation pressure without the divergence losses inherent to conventional lasers. Each station functions as a Reinjection Resonator Node (RRN), which captures the incoming beam, restores its spatial mode, compensates for phase drift, and re-emits a high-fidelity optical beam to the next station. This chain enables optical transport across thousands of kilometers with minimal loss, effectively acting as a “light conduit” or photonic pipeline. The Photon Pipeline enables four breakthrough applications: Long-distance photonic propulsion with maintained beam intensity. Optical power delivery across interplanetary distances. Ultra-stable, ultra-high-bandwidth free-space communication. Distributed interferometric sensing with baselines exceeding current limitations. The architecture is modular, scalable, and compatible with existing resonator and laser-injection technologies. This work proposes a feasible experimental roadmap and identifies key optical and mechanical engineering requirements for Phase I validation.
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