Optical communication device, optical communication system, and optical communication method

Abstract

The invention provides optical communication equipment, an optical communication system and an optical communication method.The optical communication equipment comprises a light beam deflector, a signal light detector and a controller, the light beam deflector is used for receiving first signal light from opposite-end optical communication equipment and deflecting the first signal light, and the signal light detector is used for receiving second signal light from the opposite-end optical communication equipment; the first signal light is transmitted to the signal light detector; the signal light detector is used for detecting first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector; and the controller is used for adjusting the deflection angle of the light beam deflector to the first signal light according to the first position information so as to realize light beam alignment, and the divergence angle of the first signal light is gradually reduced. The size of the optical communication equipment can be reduced, the internal structure of the equipment can be simplified, and low cost, light weight and miniaturization of the optical communication equipment are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of space optical communication technologies, and in particular, to an optical communication device, an optical communication system, and an optical communication method. Background Art

[0002] Free space optical communications (FSO) refers to a communication technology that uses light waves as carriers to transmit information in a vacuum or the atmosphere. Among them, acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) technology is an important technology for two optical communication devices in a space optical communication system to communicate. In a traditional space optical communication system, an optical communication device usually has two lasers. One of the lasers is used to emit beacon light that does not carry service information and has a large divergence angle, which is used to implement the ATP process. The large divergence angle of the beacon light makes the ATP process relatively easy. The other laser is used to emit signal light that carries service information and has a small divergence angle, which is used to implement the communication function. The small divergence angle of the signal light can reduce the propagation loss of light in space. That is to say, the beacon light and the service light each use an independent light source, resulting in a complex structure, large volume, and high cost of the optical communication device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide an optical communication device, an optical communication system, and an optical communication method, which can reduce the volume of the optical communication device and simplify the internal structure of the device, and achieve low cost, lightweight, and miniaturization of the optical communication device.

[0004] In a first aspect, an optical communication device is provided, including a beam deflector, a signal light detector, and a controller. Among them, the beam deflector is configured to receive a first signal light from a peer optical communication device and deflect the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector; the signal light detector is configured to detect first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector; the controller is configured to adjust a deflection angle of the beam deflector for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and a divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until a first set value is reached.

[0005] According to the optical communication device provided by the embodiments of this application, the beam deflector deflects the received first signal light to emit the first signal light to the signal light detector. The signal light detector detects the position where the first signal light reaches the signal light detector to obtain the first position information, and feeds back the first position information to the controller. The controller adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector for the first signal light according to the first position information, thereby achieving beam alignment and completing the entire initial link establishment process.

[0006] With the above settings, the optical communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application can perform ATP operations such as beam alignment through the signal light, and the initial link establishment process can be completed through the signal light, so that the peer optical communication device does not need to additionally set a beacon light source and its supporting devices. Therefore, the internal structure of the optical communication device can be greatly simplified, the volume of the optical communication device can be reduced, and the weight and power consumption of the optical communication device can be lowered. Since there is no need to additionally set a beacon light detection module in the optical path structure, the FOV requirement of the optical path structure can also be reduced, and the design complexity of the optical path structure and the debugging difficulty of the device can be reduced. Furthermore, the low cost, light weight, and miniaturization of the optical communication device can be achieved, so that the optical communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application can meet the scenario requirements of inter-satellite or satellite-ground communication services, etc., enabling the optical communication device to be more flexibly applied in more scenarios, contributing to the popularization and application of laser communication technology, and thus ensuring the implementation of wireless optical communication technology in the mobile communication industry.

[0007] In addition, since the divergence angle of the signal light (i.e., the first signal light) received by the optical communication device during the initial link establishment process is configured to gradually decrease until it remains unchanged after reaching the first set value. Through the above settings, the alignment efficiency and alignment accuracy can be taken into account, that is, sufficient alignment accuracy can be ensured while ensuring sufficient alignment efficiency (speed).

[0008] Optionally, the beam deflector can be an optical phased array, a fast steering mirror, a galvanometer mirror, a micromirror, a rotating mirror, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0009] For example, the beam deflector can be a liquid crystal optical phased array, such as a silicon-based liquid crystal phased array. In addition, the beam deflector can also be an optical phased array based on MEMS or an optical phased array based on an optical waveguide.

[0010] Optionally, the signal light detector can be a position sensitive detector, a quadrant detector, a charge coupled device, or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera, but not limited thereto.

[0011] Optionally, the controller can be an independent controller specially set for controlling the beam deflector, or the total controller in the optical communication device. In addition to the beam deflector, the controller can also control other devices. At this time, the controller can be an integrated controller or composed of multiple distributed control units. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0012] Optionally, the first signal light can carry service information or not. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard. For example, the first signal light does not carry any service information, that is, the first signal light can be only used for ATP operations such as beam alignment.

[0013] Optionally, the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases, for example, it can be a discrete or stepped decrease.

[0014] For example, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can be divided into two stages. The divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the first stage can be the first angle, that is, the divergence angle of the first signal light in the first stage is the first angle and remains unchanged. Then, the divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the second stage can be the second angle (i.e., the first set value), that is, the divergence angle of the first signal light in the second stage is the second angle and remains unchanged. The first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0015] Again, for example, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can be divided into 3 stages. The divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the first stage can be the first angle. Then, the divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the second stage can be the second angle. Then, the divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the third stage can be the third angle (i.e., the first set value). The first angle is greater than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than the third angle. In addition, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can also be divided into 4, 5 or more stages. At this time, more stages correspond to more divergence angles one by one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0016] Optionally, the gradual decrease of the divergence angle of the first signal light can also be a gradual transition type of gradual decrease until it reaches the first set value. For example, the divergence angle of the first signal light can gradually decrease at a certain inclination slope. In the time-divergence angle coordinate axis, the change of the divergence angle is shown as a straight line; or, the divergence angle of the first signal light can gradually decrease with a smooth transition. In the time-divergence angle coordinate axis, the change of the divergence angle is shown as a curve.

[0017] Optionally, the first set value can be the divergence angle (denoted as the fourth angle) of the signal light transmitted by the peer optical communication device for transmitting service information, that is, the first set value is equal to the fourth angle. Or, the first set value can also be greater than the fourth angle.

[0018] For example, after completing the initial link establishment process, the optical communication device receives the second signal light from the peer optical communication device. The second signal light carries service information, and the divergence angle of the second signal light (i.e., the fourth angle) is less than or equal to the first set value.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a rotating platform and a motion sensor. The rotating platform is configured to carry the beam deflector and the signal light detector. The motion sensor is configured to detect the jitter information of the beam deflector during the process that the beam deflector receives the second signal light from the peer optical communication device, where the second signal light carries service information. The controller is further configured to control the rotating platform to drive the beam deflector to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to achieve coarse tracking of the second signal light.

[0020] Optical communication devices are usually installed at relatively high positions such as on iron towers, and are easily affected by factors such as weather (such as wind or rain), resulting in jitter or vibration. Jitter will affect beam alignment and thus affect communication quality. In the embodiments of the present application, a motion sensor is provided to detect the jitter information of the beam deflector, and then jitter compensation can be performed according to the jitter information to achieve coarse tracking of the beam in the absence of beacon light, and thus achieve stable data communication.

[0021] Optionally, the rotating platform may be a servo system or a gimbal, or may also be a pan-tilt, such as a micro pan-tilt, which is beneficial to reducing the overall volume of the optical communication device.

[0022] Optionally, the motion sensor includes but is not limited to a Hall sensor, a magnetic encoder, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope, etc.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the signal light detector is further configured to detect the second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector. The controller is further configured to adjust the deflection angle of the beam deflector for the second signal light according to the second position information to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

[0024] Through the above settings, fine tracking of the beam can be achieved in the absence of beacon light, compensating for the residuals of the coarse tracking of the rotating platform, and achieving stable data communication.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the controller is further configured to control the rotating platform to drive the beam deflector to rotate according to the spatial position information of the peer optical communication device, so that the beam deflector faces the peer optical communication device.

[0026] Through the above settings, the preliminary alignment between the beam deflector and the peer optical communication device can be completed, laying a foundation for the subsequent process of beam alignment using the first signal light, and improving the efficiency of the subsequent alignment process.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a splitter and a signal light transceiver. The splitter is configured to transmit a part of the second signal light to the signal light detector and the remaining part of the second signal light to the signal light transceiver.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a signal light transceiver. The signal light transceiver is configured to provide a third signal light to the beam deflector. The beam deflector is further configured to deflect the third signal light to transmit the third signal light to the peer optical communication device. The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the peer optical communication device, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a second set value.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the signal light transceiver includes: a core array configured to provide an initial optical signal; a collimator configured to collimate the initial optical signal; and a spatial light modulator configured to modulate the collimated initial optical signal to generate the third signal light.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the signal light transceiver includes: a single-mode optical fiber configured to provide an initial optical signal; and an optical phased array configured to modulate the initial optical signal to generate the third signal light.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the beam deflector includes an optical phased array, a fast steering mirror, or a galvanometer mirror.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the signal light detector includes a position sensitive detector, a quadrant detector, a charge coupled device, or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera.

[0033] In a second aspect, an optical communication system is provided, including the optical communication device provided in any one of the possible implementations in the first aspect and a peer optical communication device. The optical communication device communicates with the peer optical communication device through spatial light.

[0034] In a third aspect, an optical communication method is provided, which is applied to an optical communication device. The optical communication device includes a beam deflector, a signal light detector, and a controller. The optical communication method includes: the beam deflector receives a first signal light from a peer optical communication device and deflects the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector; the signal light detector detects first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector; and the controller adjusts a deflection angle of the beam deflector for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a first set value.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a rotating platform and a motion sensor. The rotating platform is configured to carry the beam deflector and the signal light detector. The optical communication method further includes: during the process that the beam deflector receives the second signal light from the peer optical communication device, the motion sensor detects the jitter information of the beam deflector, and the second signal light carries service information; the controller controls the rotating platform to drive the beam deflector to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to achieve coarse tracking of the second signal light.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the optical communication method further includes: the signal light detector detects the second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector; the controller adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector for the second signal light according to the second position information, so as to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

[0037] In a possible implementation, before the beam deflector receives the first signal light from the peer optical communication device, the optical communication method further includes: the controller controls the rotating platform to drive the beam deflector to rotate according to the spatial position information of the peer optical communication device, so that the beam deflector faces the peer optical communication device.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the optical communication device further includes a signal light transceiver. The optical communication method further includes: the signal light transceiver provides a third signal light to the beam deflector; the beam deflector deflects the third signal light to send the third signal light to the peer optical communication device. The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the peer optical communication device, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a second set value. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an example of an optical communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another example of an optical communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of still another example of an optical communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 5It is a schematic flowchart of the optical communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Reference numerals:

[0045] 10. Beam deflector; 20. Signal light detector; 30. Controller; 40. Rotating platform; 50. Motion sensor; 60. Beam splitter; 70. Signal light transceiver; 71. Core array; 72. Collimator; 73. Spatial light modulator; 74. Single-mode fiber; 75. Optical phased array;

[0046] 100. Optical communication device; 200. Optical communication device; 300. Optical communication device; 400. Iron tower. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] The following details the implementation manners of the present application. Examples of the implementation manners are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The implementation manners described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0048] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that can communicate with each other; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0049] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "side", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the installed orientation or positional relationship, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numeral represents the same component or the same part. For the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, only one of the parts or components may be marked with a reference numeral in the figure. It should be understood that for other identical parts or components, the reference numeral also applies.

[0051] With the large-scale commercialization of fifth-generation (5G) communication, the research on sixth-generation (6G) communication technology has been widely carried out. Among them, the official logo in the Chinese region is U6G as the signature spectrum of 6G communication, while North America has chosen centimeter waves as the main spectrum of 6G communication. These all mean greater bandwidth and more streams, enabling the expected traffic of base stations to reach the order of 100 Gbps. For wireless backhaul services of this scale, the traditional microwave backhaul capacity is difficult to continuously evolve. In addition, the industry is widely discussing the feasibility of the evolution from a distributed radio access network (D-RAN) to a centered radio access network (C-RAN), and there are clear technical requirements for wireless fronthaul. Therefore, the research on wireless backhaul and fronthaul technologies with larger capacities has broad application prospects.

[0052] In such a technical background, optical waves have significant bandwidth advantages compared with the microwave band, can support the continuous evolution of wireless backhaul and fronthaul capacities, and become the golden spectrum in the 6G era. Free space optical communications (FSO) refers to a communication technology that uses optical waves as carriers to transmit information in a vacuum or the atmosphere. Among them, acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) technology is an important technology for two optical communication devices in a space optical communication system to communicate.

[0053] In a traditional space optical communication system, an optical communication device usually has two lasers. One of the lasers is used to emit beacon light that does not carry service information and has a large divergence angle for realizing the ATP process. The large divergence angle of the beacon light will make the ATP process relatively easy. The other laser is used to emit signal light that carries service information and has a small divergence angle for realizing the communication function. The small divergence angle of the signal light can reduce the propagation loss of light in space. That is to say, the beacon light and the service light each use independent light sources, resulting in a complex structure, large volume, and high cost of the optical communication device, making it difficult to meet the scenario requirements of communication services such as inter-satellite or satellite-to-ground.

[0054] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide an optical communication device, which can perform ATP operations such as beam alignment through signal light, and can complete the initial link establishment process through signal light, so that the optical communication device does not need to be additionally provided with a beacon light source and its supporting devices. Therefore, the internal structure of the optical communication device can be greatly simplified, the volume of the optical communication device can be reduced, and the weight and power consumption of the optical communication device can be reduced. The low cost, light weight and miniaturization of the optical communication device are realized, so that the optical communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application can meet the scenario requirements of communication services such as inter-satellite or satellite-ground communication, and the optical communication device can be more flexibly applied in more scenarios, which helps to promote the application of laser communication technology, thereby ensuring the implementation of wireless optical communication technology in the mobile communication industry.

[0055] The optical communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to an optical communication system. The optical communication device can be, for example, any device such as a communication satellite, a base station, an access point (AP), or a station (STA) in the optical communication system. First, the optical communication system will be introduced below.

[0056] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the optical communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the optical communication system includes an optical communication device 100, an optical communication device 200, and an optical communication device 300. Among them, the optical communication device 100 can be a ground device and can perform optical communication with the optical communication device 200 or the optical communication device 300 located in space. The optical communication device 100 can be, for example, a base station, an AP, or an STA, and the optical communication device 200 and the optical communication device 300 can be, for example, communication satellites. The optical communication device 100 can be arranged at the top of a tower 400, a high-rise building, or a utility pole to obtain a better communication view. Since the optical communication device 100 is located on the ground and the optical communication devices 200 and 300 are located in space, the communication between the optical communication device 100 and the optical communication device 200 can be referred to as satellite-ground communication, and the communication between the optical communication device 200 and the optical communication device 300 can be referred to as inter-satellite communication.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, the optical communication device 100 can receive the first signal light sent by the optical communication device 200, and complete ATP operations such as beam alignment through the first signal light, thereby completing the initial link establishment process. The first signal light can have a relatively large divergence angle to facilitate rapid beam alignment. The first signal light can be only used for ATP operations and does not carry any service information. After the link is established, the optical communication devices at both ends can use a beam with a smaller divergence angle to transmit service information to reduce the propagation loss of light in space. For example, the optical communication device 100 can receive the second signal light from the optical communication device 200. The second signal light carries service information, and the divergence angle of the second signal light is smaller than that of the first signal light.

[0058] Further, the optical communication device 100 continuously receives the first signal light from the optical communication device 200 during the entire initial link establishment process. During this process, the divergence angle of the first signal light is not fixed. In an embodiment of the present application, the communication system or protocol can be pre-configured or agreed upon such that the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 gradually becomes smaller until it reaches a first set value. Through the above settings, the alignment efficiency and accuracy can be taken into account.

[0059] Specifically, in the initial stage, the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 is relatively large. The larger divergence angle will make the first signal light have a larger light spot. The large light spot can reduce the probability of missed scanning during the beam scanning process. At this time, the optical communication device 100 can quickly capture the first signal light and achieve rough alignment of the beam. In the subsequent stage, the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 is smaller. The smaller divergence angle will make the first signal light have a smaller light spot. The smaller light spot is beneficial to improving the alignment accuracy. At this time, the optical communication device 100 can achieve fine alignment of the beam. As the sending process continues, the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until it reaches the first set value, and then the divergence angle remains unchanged. The first set value can be the divergence angle of the signal light when it is used to transmit service information. For example, the first set value can be the divergence angle of the aforementioned second signal light. The gradual decrease in the divergence angle of the first signal light can be, for example, a discrete or stepped decrease.

[0060] Similarly, during the aforementioned initial link establishment process, the optical communication device 100 can send a third signal light to the optical communication device 200. The third signal light is used for the optical communication device 200 to perform beam alignment. The third signal light can be only used for ATP operations and does not carry any service information. The divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a second set value, thereby being able to take into account the alignment efficiency and alignment accuracy of the optical communication device 200. The second set value and the first set value can be the same or different, and the communication system or protocol communication can stipulate this.

[0061] Next, taking the optical communication device 100 as an example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the specific structure of the optical communication device in the embodiments of the present application will be introduced. Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of an example of the optical communication device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0062] As Figure 2 shown, the optical communication device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a beam deflector 10, a signal light detector 20, and a controller 30. Among them, the beam deflector 10 is configured to receive a first signal light from a peer optical communication device (such as the optical communication device 200), and deflect the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector 20; the signal light detector 20 is configured to detect first position information of the first signal light arriving at the signal light detector 20; the controller 30 is configured to adjust the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a first set value.

[0063] Specifically, the controller 30 can control the beam deflector 10 to perform beam scanning (such as spiral scanning) until the first signal light sent by the peer optical communication device is detected. The beam deflector 10 deflects the received first signal light to emit the first signal light to the signal light detector 20. The signal light detector 20 detects the position of the first signal light on the receiving field of view of the signal light detector 20 to obtain the first position information, and feeds back the first position information to the controller 30. The controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the first signal light according to the first position information, so that the light spot of the first signal light can gradually approach or reach the position center of the receiving field of view of the signal light detector 20.

[0064] The above-mentioned signal light detector 20 detects the first position information of the first signal light on the receiving field of view, and the controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the first signal light according to the first position information, which can be continuously performed through multiple cycles or rounds, that is, the beam alignment is gradually completed during the dynamic adjustment process. During the entire alignment process, the focal length corresponding to the receiving field of view can be gradually increased, that is, the uncertain area is continuously reduced, and then the deflection angle can be continuously adjusted according to the position information, that is, the position of the first signal light on the receiving field of view is continuously adjusted, so as to continuously improve the alignment accuracy until the alignment accuracy threshold is reached, and the entire beam alignment process is completed, that is, the entire initial link establishment process is completed.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 gradually becomes smaller until it reaches a first set value.

[0066] In this way, in the initial stage, the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 is relatively large. A larger divergence angle will cause the first signal light to have a larger light spot. The large light spot can reduce the probability of missed scanning during the beam scanning process. At this time, the optical communication device 100 can quickly capture the first signal light and achieve rough alignment of the beam. In the subsequent stage, the divergence angle of the first signal light received by the optical communication device 100 is relatively small. A smaller divergence angle will cause the first signal light to have a smaller light spot. The smaller light spot is beneficial to improving the alignment accuracy. At this time, the optical communication device 100 can achieve fine alignment of the beam. As the transmission process continues, the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until it reaches the first set value, and then the divergence angle of the first signal light remains unchanged. Through the above settings, both the alignment efficiency and the alignment accuracy can be taken into account, that is, sufficient alignment accuracy can be ensured on the premise of ensuring sufficient alignment efficiency (speed).

[0067] According to the optical communication device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the beam deflector 10 deflects the received first signal light to emit the first signal light to the signal light detector 20. The signal light detector 20 detects the position where the first signal light reaches the signal light detector 20 to obtain the first position information, and feeds back the first position information to the controller 30. The controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the first signal light according to the first position information, thereby realizing beam alignment and completing the entire initial link establishment process.

[0068] Through the above settings, the optical communication device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application can perform ATP operations such as beam alignment through the signal light, and complete the initial link establishment process through the signal light, so that the peer optical communication device does not need to additionally set a beacon light source and its supporting devices. Therefore, the internal structure of the optical communication device can be greatly simplified, the volume of the optical communication device can be reduced, and the weight and power consumption of the optical communication device can be reduced. Since there is no need to additionally set a beacon light detection module in the optical path structure, the field of view (FOV) requirement of the optical path structure can also be reduced, and the design complexity of the optical path structure and the debugging difficulty of the device can be reduced. Furthermore, the low cost, light weight and miniaturization of the optical communication device can be realized, so that the optical communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application can meet the scenario requirements of inter-satellite or satellite-ground communication services, etc., and the optical communication device can be more flexibly applied in more scenarios, which helps to promote the application of laser communication technology, thereby ensuring the implementation of wireless optical communication technology in the mobile communication industry.

[0069] In addition, since the divergence angle of the signal light (i.e., the first signal light) received by the optical communication device 100 during the initial link establishment process is configured to gradually decrease until it reaches a first set value and then remains unchanged. Through the above settings, both the alignment efficiency and the alignment accuracy can be taken into account, that is, sufficient alignment accuracy can be ensured while ensuring sufficient alignment efficiency (speed).

[0070] Optionally, the beam deflector 10 may be an optically phased array (OPA), a fast steering mirror (FSM), a galvanometer mirror, a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) micromirror, a rotating mirror, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0071] As Figure 2 shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the beam deflector 10 may be a liquid crystal optically phased array (LC-OPA), such as a liquid crystal on silicon phased array. In other embodiments, the beam deflector 10 may also be an MEMS-based optically phased array or an optical waveguide-based optically phased array.

[0072] Optionally, the signal light detector 20 may be a position sensitive detector (PSD), a quadrant detector (QD), a charge-coupled device (CCD), or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Optionally, the controller 30 may be an independent controller specifically set for controlling the beam deflector 10, or the total controller in the optical communication device 100. In addition to the beam deflector 10, the controller 30 may also control other devices. At this time, the controller 30 may be an integrated controller or composed of multiple distributed control units. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0074] Optionally, the first signal light may carry service information or may not carry it. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard. For example, the first signal light does not carry any service information, that is, the first signal light may be only used for ATP operations such as beam alignment.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present application, the divergence angle of the first signal light does not remain fixed. As the transmission process continues, the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a first set value, after which the divergence angle remains unchanged.

[0076] Optionally, the gradual decrease in the divergence angle of the first signal light can be, for example, a discrete or stepped decrease.

[0077] For example, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can be divided into two stages. The divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the first stage can be a first angle, that is, the divergence angle of the first signal light in the first stage is the first angle and remains unchanged. The divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the subsequent second stage can be a second angle (i.e., the first set value), that is, the divergence angle of the first signal light in the second stage is the second angle and remains unchanged. The first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0078] For another example, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can be divided into three stages. The divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the first stage can be a first angle, the divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the subsequent second stage can be a second angle, and the divergence angle of the first signal light transmitted in the subsequent third stage can be a third angle (i.e., the first set value). The first angle is greater than the second angle, and the second angle is greater than the third angle. In addition, the transmission (reception) stage of the first signal light can also be divided into four, five, or more stages. At this time, the more stages correspond to more divergence angles one by one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0079] Optionally, the gradual decrease in the divergence angle of the first signal light can also be a gradually transitional decrease until it reaches the first set value. For example, the divergence angle of the first signal light can gradually decrease with a certain inclination slope. In the time-divergence angle coordinate axis, the change in the divergence angle is represented as a straight line; or, the divergence angle of the first signal light can gradually decrease with a smooth transition. In the time-divergence angle coordinate axis, the change in the divergence angle is represented as a curve.

[0080] Optionally, the first set value can be the divergence angle (denoted as the fourth angle) of the signal light transmitted by the peer optical communication device for transmitting service information, that is, the first set value is equal to the fourth angle. Or, the first set value can also be greater than the fourth angle.

[0081] For example, after completing the initial link establishment process, the optical communication device 100 receives the second signal light from the peer optical communication device. The second signal light carries service information, and the divergence angle (i.e., the fourth angle) of the second signal light is less than or equal to the first set value.

[0082] Furthermore, as Figure 2As shown in the figure, the optical communication device 100 further includes a rotating platform 40 and a motion sensor 50. Among them, devices such as the beam deflector 10 and the signal light detector 20 are carried (installed) on the rotating platform 40. The motion sensor 50 is used to detect the jitter information of the beam deflector 10 during the process that the beam deflector 10 receives the second signal light from the optical communication device at the opposite end; the controller 30 is further used to control the rotating platform 40 to drive the beam deflector 10 to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to realize the coarse tracking of the second signal light.

[0083] Specifically, both the beam deflector 10 and the signal light detector 20 are fixedly arranged on the rotating platform 40, and their positions are relatively fixed. The rotating platform 40 can drive the beam deflector 10 and the signal light detector 20 installed thereon to rotate. The motion sensor 50 can detect the jitter information of the beam deflector 10 and feed back the jitter information to the controller 30. The controller 30 calculates reverse motion data (i.e., jitter compensation data) according to the jitter information and sends the reverse motion data to the rotating platform 40 to control the rotating platform 40 to drive the beam deflector 10 to perform reverse motion (such as reverse rotation) according to the reverse motion data, so as to realize jitter compensation, and further realize the coarse tracking of the beam, ensuring that data communication has sufficient stability.

[0084] The optical communication device 100 is usually installed at a relatively high position such as a iron tower 400 and is easily affected by factors such as weather (such as wind or rain), resulting in jitter or vibration. The jitter will affect the beam alignment and further affect the communication quality. In the embodiment of the present application, the motion sensor 50 is set to detect the jitter information of the beam deflector 10, and then jitter compensation can be performed according to the jitter information, realizing the coarse tracking of the beam in the absence of beacon light, and further realizing stable data communication.

[0085] Optionally, since the beam deflector 10 and the rotating platform 40 are fixedly connected, etc., the motion sensor 50 detects the jitter information of the beam deflector 10, or can also detect the jitter information of the rotating platform 40, or can also detect the overall jitter information of the optical communication device 100, or can also detect the jitter information of the signal light detector 20.

[0086] Optionally, the rotating platform 40 can be a servo system or a gimbal, or can also be a pan-tilt, such as a micro pan-tilt, which is beneficial to reducing the overall volume of the optical communication device 100.

[0087] Optionally, the motion sensor 50 includes but is not limited to a Hall sensor, a magnetic encoder, an accelerometer or a gyroscope, etc.

[0088] Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the signal light detector 20 is further configured to detect the second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector 20; the controller 30 is further configured to adjust the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the second signal light according to the second position information, so as to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

[0089] Specifically, the signal light detector 20 detects the position on the receiving field of view of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector 20 to obtain the second position information, and feeds back the second position information to the controller 30. The controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the second signal light according to the second position information, so that the light spot of the second signal light can gradually approach or reach the position center of the receiving field of view of the signal light detector 20, thereby achieving fine tracking of the beam.

[0090] Through the above settings, fine tracking of the beam can be achieved in the absence of a beacon light, compensating for the residuals of the coarse tracking of the rotating platform 40 and achieving stable data communication.

[0091] Further, as Figure 2 shown, the optical communication device 100 further includes a beam splitter 60 and a signal light transceiver 70. Among them, the beam splitter 60 is configured to transmit a part of the second signal light to the signal light detector 20, and transmit the remaining part of the second signal light to the signal light transceiver 70.

[0092] The signal light transceiver 70 is configured to provide the signal light to be transmitted, and receive the signal light from the opposite optical communication device, such as the second signal light. The beam splitter 60 can be, for example, a beam splitter mirror, which can transmit (for example, reflect) a small part of the second signal light to the signal light detector 20, so that the signal light detector 20 can achieve fine tracking according to the second signal light. The beam splitter 60 can also transmit (for example, transmit) most of the remaining second signal light to the signal light transceiver 70. The signal light transceiver 70 receives the second signal light carrying service information, thereby realizing the communication function.

[0093] Further, in the embodiment of the present application, at the beginning stage of initial link establishment, the controller 30 is further configured to control the rotating platform 40 to drive the beam deflector 10 to rotate according to the spatial position information (such as spatial coordinates) of the opposite optical communication device, so that the light incident surface of the beam deflector 10 faces the opposite optical communication device. Through the above settings, the preliminary alignment between the beam deflector 10 and the opposite optical communication device can be completed, laying a foundation for the subsequent beam alignment process using the first signal light, and improving the efficiency of the subsequent alignment process.

[0094] Optionally, the spatial location information can be obtained through Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation or Beidou navigation. That is to say, the spatial location information can be GPS positioning information or Beidou positioning information. The spatial location information can be pre-configured in the memory of the optical communication device 100, or can also be obtained from other locations through wireless communication means.

[0095] Further, as Figure 2 shown, the optical communication device 100 further includes a signal light transceiver 70. Among them, the signal light transceiver 70 is used to provide a third signal light to the beam deflector 10; the beam deflector 10 is further used to deflect the third signal light to send the third signal light to the opposite optical communication device. The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the opposite optical communication device, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a second set value.

[0096] The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the opposite optical communication device. The specific alignment process is the same as the process of the optical communication device 100 using the first signal light for beam alignment (aiming), which will not be elaborated here. The third signal light can be only used for ATP operation without carrying any service information. The divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases until it reaches a second set value, thereby being able to take into account both the alignment efficiency and alignment accuracy of the opposite optical communication device. The second set value can be the same as the first set value.

[0097] As Figure 2 shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the signal light transceiver 70 includes a core array 71, a collimator 72, and a spatial light modulator (SLM) 73. Among them, the core array 71 is used to provide an initial optical signal; the collimator 72 is used to collimate the initial optical signal; the spatial light modulator 73 is used to modulate the collimated initial optical signal to generate a third signal light.

[0098] Specifically, the core array 71 is connected to a laser (not shown in the figure) for generating an initial signal light. The core array 71 is composed of multiple cores. One of the cores (for example, the core located at the central position) can provide the initial optical signal. The collimator 72 receives the initial optical signal and performs collimation processing on it. The spatial light modulator 73 receives the collimated initial optical signal and performs wavefront phase control on it to achieve modulation of the beam width, that is, modulation of the divergence angle of the beam. For example, it adaptively generates a wide divergence angle beam, and then generates a third signal light that meets the requirements.

[0099] In this application, the core array 71 is used for transmitting and receiving light beams. If the atmospheric channel is stable, the received signal light will be focused on the core at the center position of the core array, which is equivalent to a single-mode optical fiber. If the atmospheric channel is unstable, the spot of the signal light will be distorted. At this time, multiple cores can be used to jointly receive the signal light, that is, the core array can be used to improve the coupling efficiency. That is to say, through the above settings, this application can not only meet the purpose of transmitting and receiving signal light through the same optical fiber, but also solve the problem of low coupling efficiency under the influence of atmospheric turbulence.

[0100] Optionally, if the atmospheric channel is unstable, the spot of the signal light will be distorted. At this time, the spatial light modulator 73 can be activated to compensate for part of the phase distortion to improve the coupling efficiency of the core array 71 for the light beam.

[0101] Optionally, if the atmospheric channel is unstable, the third signal light generated by modulating the spatial light modulator 73 can be a non-Gaussian waveform. For example, at this time, the third signal light can be modulated into a structured light beam to improve the transmission performance. The structured light beam can be, for example, a Bessel beam, a Mathieu beam, an Airy beam or a Bessel beam, etc.

[0102] Optionally, the spatial light modulator 73 can be a liquid crystal SLM or an electro-optic SLM, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0103] Optionally, the optical communication device 100 provided in the embodiment of this application may further include other optical elements not listed. For example, at least one optical lens can be provided between the signal light detector 20 and the optical splitter 60, and at least one (for example, two) optical lenses can be provided between the optical splitter 60 and the beam deflector 10, etc., so as to meet specific optical requirements. This application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0104] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another example of the optical communication device 100 provided in the embodiment of this application. As Figure 3 shown, in the embodiment of this application, the signal light transceiver 70 includes a single-mode optical fiber 74 and an optical phased array 75. Among them, the single-mode optical fiber 74 is used to provide an initial optical signal; the optical phased array 75 is used to modulate the initial optical signal to generate a third signal light.

[0105] Specifically, the single-mode optical fiber 74 provides an initial optical signal. The optical phased array 75 includes a plurality of optical phase shifters and a plurality of optical antennas, and the plurality of optical phase shifters are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of optical antennas. After receiving the initial optical signal, the optical phased array 75 performs wavefront phase control to realize the modulation of the beam width, that is, the modulation of the divergence angle of the light beam. For example, a wide divergence angle beam is generated adaptively, and then a third signal light that meets the requirements is generated.

[0106] In this application, the single-mode optical fiber 74 is used to transmit and receive the light beam. If the atmospheric channel is stable, the received signal light will be efficiently focused into the single-mode optical fiber 74. If the atmospheric channel is unstable, the optical phased array 75 can be used to compensate for the spot phase and improve the coupling efficiency of the single-mode optical fiber 74.

[0107] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of another example of the optical communication device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4 shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the beam deflector 10 can be a fast steering mirror or a galvanometer. At this time, multiple optical lenses can be arranged at the front end of the beam deflector 10 to realize the beam shrinking process, that is, the signal light from the opposite optical communication device can be first shrunk and then injected into the beam deflector 10.

[0108] As Figure 4 shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the controller 30 can be composed of multiple distributed control units. One of the control units is integrated into the signal light detector 20, so that the signal light detector 20 can directly control the beam deflector 10 according to the detected position information to achieve beam alignment or fine tracking. Another control unit is integrated into the rotating platform 40, so that the rotating platform 40 can directly rotate according to the jitter information from the motion sensor 50 to achieve the purpose of jitter compensation.

[0109] Combined with the optical communication device provided in the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides an optical communication method. This optical communication method can be applied to the optical communication device provided in the foregoing embodiment, or applied to the chip of this optical communication device. The following is the method embodiment provided by the present application, and this method embodiment corresponds to the above product (device) embodiment.

[0110] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of the optical communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. This optical communication method is applied to an optical communication device, and this optical communication device includes a beam deflector 10, a signal light detector 20, and a controller 30. Combined with the foregoing Figures 2 - 4 related content, this optical communication method includes the following steps:

[0111] Step 510, the beam deflector 10 receives the first signal light from the opposite optical communication device and deflects the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector 20.

[0112] Step 520, the signal light detector 20 detects the first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector 20.

[0113] Step 530, the controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases.

[0114] Optionally, the optical communication device further includes a rotating platform 40 and a motion sensor 50. The rotating platform 40 is used to carry the beam deflector 10 and the signal light detector 20. The optical communication method further includes:

[0115] The motion sensor 50 detects the jitter information of the beam deflector 10 during the process that the beam deflector 10 receives the second signal light from the peer optical communication device. The second signal light carries service information.

[0116] The controller 30 controls the rotating platform 40 to drive the beam deflector 10 to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to achieve coarse tracking of the second signal light.

[0117] Optionally, the optical communication method further includes:

[0118] The signal light detector 20 detects the second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector 20.

[0119] The controller 30 adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector 10 for the second signal light according to the second position information to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

[0120] Optionally, before the beam deflector 10 receives the first signal light from the peer optical communication device, that is, before step 510, the optical communication method further includes:

[0121] The controller 30 controls the rotating platform 40 to drive the beam deflector 10 to rotate according to the spatial position information of the peer optical communication device, so that the beam deflector 10 faces the peer optical communication device.

[0122] Optionally, the optical communication device further includes a signal light transceiver 70. The optical communication method further includes:

[0123] The signal light transceiver 70 provides a third signal light to the beam deflector 10.

[0124] The beam deflector 10 deflects the third signal light to send the third signal light to the peer optical communication device. The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the peer optical communication device, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases.

[0125] Regarding the above Figure 5For the introduction of the optical communication method shown, refer to the corresponding description above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0126] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program runs on an optical communication device, the optical communication device is caused to execute the optical communication method provided in the foregoing embodiment.

[0127] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including: computer program code. When the computer program code runs on an optical communication device, the optical communication device is caused to execute the optical communication method provided in the foregoing embodiment.

[0128] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical communication device, characterized in that, it includes a beam deflector (10), a signal light detector (20) and a controller (30), wherein, the beam deflector (10) is configured to receive a first signal light from a peer optical communication device and deflect the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector (20); the signal light detector (20) is configured to detect first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector (20); the controller (30) is configured to adjust a deflection angle of the beam deflector (10) for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and a divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the optical communication device further includes a rotating platform (40) and a motion sensor (50), wherein, the rotating platform (40) is configured to carry the beam deflector (10) and the signal light detector (20); the motion sensor (50) is configured to detect jitter information of the beam deflector (10) during a process in which the beam deflector (10) receives a second signal light from the peer optical communication device, and the second signal light carries service information; the controller (30) is further configured to control the rotating platform (40) to drive the beam deflector (10) to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to achieve coarse tracking of the second signal light.

3. The optical communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the signal light detector (20) is further configured to detect second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector (20); the controller (30) is further configured to adjust a deflection angle of the beam deflector (10) for the second signal light according to the second position information to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

4. The optical communication device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the controller (30) is further configured to control the rotating platform (40) to drive the beam deflector (10) to rotate according to spatial position information of the peer optical communication device, so that the beam deflector (10) faces the peer optical communication device.

5. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, the optical communication device further includes a beam splitter (60) and a signal light transceiver (70), wherein the beam splitter (60) is configured to transmit a part of the second signal light to the signal light detector (20) and transmit the remaining part of the second signal light to the signal light transceiver (70).

6. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the optical communication device further includes a signal light transceiver (70), wherein, the signal light transceiver (70) is configured to provide a third signal light to the beam deflector (10); The beam deflector (10) is further configured to deflect the third signal light to transmit the third signal light to the peer optical communication device. The third signal light is used for beam alignment with the peer optical communication device, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases.

7. The optical communication device according to claim 6, wherein, the signal light transceiver (70) includes: a core array (71) configured to provide an initial optical signal; a collimator (72) configured to collimate the initial optical signal; a spatial light modulator (73) configured to modulate the collimated initial optical signal to generate the third signal light.

8. The optical communication device according to claim 6, wherein, the signal light transceiver (70) includes: a single-mode optical fiber (74) configured to provide an initial optical signal; an optical phased array (75) configured to modulate the initial optical signal to generate the third signal light.

9. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, the beam deflector (10) includes an optical phased array, a fast steering mirror or a galvanometer mirror.

10. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, the signal light detector (20) includes a position sensitive detector, a quadrant detector, a charge coupled device or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera.

11. An optical communication system, wherein, it includes the optical communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a peer optical communication device, and the optical communication device communicates with the peer optical communication device through spatial light.

12. An optical communication method, wherein, applied to an optical communication device, the optical communication device includes a beam deflector (10), a signal light detector (20) and a controller (30), and the optical communication method includes: the beam deflector (10) receives a first signal light from a peer optical communication device and deflects the first signal light to transmit the first signal light to the signal light detector (20); the signal light detector (20) detects first position information of the first signal light reaching the signal light detector (20); the controller (30) adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector (10) for the first signal light according to the first position information to achieve beam alignment, and the divergence angle of the first signal light gradually decreases.

13. The optical communication method according to claim 12, wherein, the optical communication device further includes a rotating platform (40) and a motion sensor (50), the rotating platform (40) is configured to carry the beam deflector (10) and the signal light detector (20), and the optical communication method further includes: the motion sensor (50) detects jitter information of the beam deflector (10) during the process that the beam deflector (10) receives a second signal light from the peer optical communication device, and the second signal light carries service information; The controller (30) controls the rotation platform (40) to drive the beam deflector (10) to move for jitter compensation according to the jitter information, so as to achieve coarse tracking of the second signal light.

14. The optical communication method according to claim 13, wherein, the optical communication method further includes: the signal light detector (20) detects second position information of the second signal light reaching the signal light detector (20); the controller (30) adjusts the deflection angle of the beam deflector (10) for the second signal light according to the second position information, so as to achieve fine tracking of the second signal light.

15. The optical communication method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, before the beam deflector (10) receives the first signal light from the optical communication device at the opposite end, the optical communication method further includes: the controller (30) controls the rotation platform (40) to drive the beam deflector (10) to rotate according to the spatial position information of the optical communication device at the opposite end, so that the beam deflector (10) faces the optical communication device at the opposite end.

16. The optical communication method according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein, the optical communication device further includes a signal light transceiver (70), and the optical communication method further includes: the signal light transceiver (70) provides a third signal light to the beam deflector (10); the beam deflector (10) deflects the third signal light to send the third signal light to the optical communication device at the opposite end, the third signal light is used for beam alignment with the optical communication device at the opposite end, and the divergence angle of the third signal light gradually decreases.

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