Etalon-Based Optical Phase Demodulator for Wide-Angle Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency (RF) communication systems for small satellites and UAVs face limitations in data rates and mechanical constraints, requiring large mechanical means for signal capture and transmission, which is impractical for space and weight-constrained applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiver system with a demodulator featuring a plurality of apertures optically connected to etalons of different optical path lengths, allowing for wider acceptance of incident angles and improved phase demodulation, enabling efficient data transmission through a fiber bundle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single aperture telescope is used for capturing and transmitting data signals, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and mechanical scanning components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The single aperture is divided into multiple apertures (first aperture, second aperture, third aperture, etc.) arranged in an array. Each aperture can independently receive optical signals from different directions, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning while expanding the effective field of view through spatial diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical scanning system is replaced by an optical phased array system where electronic phase control directs the reception beam. The phase shifter adjusts the phase of signals from each aperture to achieve electronic beam steering without any moving mechanical parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures with different etalon optical path lengths are used, then the acceptance angle range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each aperture is assigned a specific etalon with a particular optical path length tailored to its position in the array. This local differentiation allows each aperture to optimally receive signals from specific angular ranges, collectively expanding the total acceptance angle coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path length parameter of the etalons is systematically varied across different apertures. By changing this physical parameter, each aperture's angular response is optimized for its specific location, enabling wide-angle acceptance without requiring complex adaptive mechanisms
3Productivity
If RF communication is used for data transmission, then the system is mature and reliable, but the data rate is limited by frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system transitions from RF frequencies to optical frequencies, fundamentally changing the frequency parameter. This enables data rates limited only by the optical bandwidth and detector capabilities rather than RF frequency constraints, achieving orders of magnitude higher productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances data transmission capabilities by increasing the range of acceptable incident angles and improving phase demodulation, providing a more efficient and flexible optical communication solution for space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the plurality of apertures being optically connected with an etalon of an optical path length that is different from the optical path length of another etalon
Implementation Method 2
The demodulator includes a plurality of apertures, each one of the plurality of apertures being optically connected with an etalon
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the etalons is formed of a uniaxial or biaxial material, and the demodulator accepts input signal over a larger range of incident angles
Data Source
AI summary
An optical receiver for use in free space communication from a transmitter to the optical receiver is configured for receiving optical signals from the transmitter. The optical receiver includes optics for collecting the optical signals, a demodulator for converting the optical signals so collected into a data stream, a signal processing unit for processing the data stream into an analog signal, and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog signal into a digital output. The demodulator includes a plurality of apertures and at least one Fabry-Perot etalon, through which at least a portion of the optical signals is transmitted. The demodulator also includes at least one phase detection region for detecting at least the portion of the optical signals transmitted through the at least one Fabry-Perot etalon to form a phase signal.