Optical Fiber Bundle Pointing Accuracy for Free-Space Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-space optical communication systems require high pointing accuracy for optical signals, which is challenging without separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors, leading to complex and costly architectures.
Innovation Solution
A free-space optical communication device using an optical fiber bundle with a central fiber and surrounding fibers to determine pointing accuracy by analyzing energy distribution, eliminating the need for separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors, and adjusting the focusing system to improve alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors are used to achieve high pointing accuracy, then pointing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transmission function and tracking function into a single optical beam. The optical fiber bundle receives both the data-carrying beam and uses the spatial distribution of energy within the bundle to determine pointing accuracy, eliminating the need for separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors while maintaining high pointing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary data transmission medium and also functions as the tracking sensor by analyzing the spatial energy distribution across its fibers. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while achieving both data communication and pointing accuracy requirements.
2Measurement precision
If separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors are used to ensure high pointing accuracy, then pointing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tracking function into the data transmission path using the optical fiber bundle, the patent eliminates the need for additional expensive components such as separate beacon lasers and tracking sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining pointing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle performs dual functions as both data transmission medium and tracking sensor, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware components and reducing overall system manufacturing cost while achieving required pointing accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the optical fiber bundle analyzes energy distribution to determine pointing accuracy, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle acts as an intermediary that converts spatial information about the incoming beam's pointing accuracy into measurable energy distribution patterns across its fibers. This intermediary approach enables accurate tracking measurements using the existing data transmission infrastructure without requiring separate tracking hardware.
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
This approach simplifies the architecture, reduces costs, and enhances pointing accuracy, achieving higher coupling efficiency and improved performance over the system's lifetime by using a single laser beam for both data transmission and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber bundle including a central fiber connected to a first photodetector and a plurality of surrounding fibers, each surrounding fiber connected to a corresponding second photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A free-space optical communication device includes an optical fiber bundle and one or more processors. The optical fiber bundle includes a central fiber connected to a first photodetector, and a plurality of surrounding fibers, each surrounding fiber connected to a corresponding second photodetector. The one or more processors are in communication with the first photodetector and each second photodetector. The one or more processors are also configured to receive a current or voltage generated at the first photodetector and each second photodetector and to determine a pointing accuracy of a beam received at the optical fiber bundle based on the current or voltage generated at the second photodetectors.