Free Space Optical Receiver Using Micro-Channel Plate Collimator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide field of view optical receivers in free space optical link systems are unable to demodulate data from incoming collimated laser signals and require additional narrow field optical receivers, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a micro-channel plate collimator with a unique channel pattern and a focal plane array, allowing a single wide field of view optical system to determine the incident angle and demodulate the signal, using a processor to filter noise and retrieve data from the collimated light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a wide field of view optical receiver is used to determine incident angle, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the ability to demodulate data from the signal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wide field of view capability and data demodulation capability into a single optical receiver system. The focal plane array processes the incoming light to simultaneously determine incident angles (for wide field of view) and retrieve modulated data signals, eliminating the need for separate receivers for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a wide field of view sensor for angle determination and as a data demodulator. The focal plane array and associated processing circuitry enable the single device to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate specialized receivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate receivers are used to achieve both wide field of view and data demodulation, then the functional capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiver functions into a single integrated optical receiver. The focal plane array with its readout circuitry and processing electronics enables simultaneous angle measurement and data demodulation, reducing the number of separate receiver units needed and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical receiver is designed to perform multiple functions including wide field of view detection, incident angle determination, and data demodulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized receivers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full functional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate receivers are used to achieve both wide field of view and data demodulation, then the functional capability is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate receivers into a single integrated optical receiver unit. By combining the wide field of view detection and data demodulation capabilities in one device with a focal plane array, the total system weight is reduced compared to using multiple separate receiver units.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both angle determination and data demodulation. This consolidation of functions into a single device reduces the cumulative weight that would result from using multiple separate specialized receivers.
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
Enables a single optical system to both determine the source position and demodulate data, reducing complexity and weight compared to traditional systems that require separate receivers.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-channel plate collimator positioned within an optical path of the collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
one or more lenses configured to focus a collimated light beam received at the one or more lenses onto the focal plane array, where a position of the collimated light beam on the focal plane array is based on an incident angle of propagation
Implementation Method 3
one or more lenses configured to focus a collimated light beam received at the one or more lenses onto the focal plane array
Implementation Method 4
a position of the collimated light beam on the focal plane array is based on an incident angle of propagation of the collimated light beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for optical detection may include a focal plane array. The system may further include one or more lenses configured to focus a collimated light beam received at the one or more lenses onto the focal plane array, where a position of the collimated light beam on the focal plane array is based on an incident angle of propagation of the collimated light beam at the one or more lenses. The system may also include a micro-channel plate collimator positioned within an optical path of the collimated light beam. The system may include a processor configured to determine the incident angle of propagation of the collimated light beam and to retrieve data encoded within the collimated light beam.