Laser Beam Expander Alignment via Closed-Loop Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical communication systems face misalignment issues due to thermal and vibrational disturbances, leading to poor laser beam quality and low signal strength, particularly in environments like aircraft and space exploration where precise alignment is critical.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop feedback system using back reflections of the optical beam to actively mitigate disturbances by adjusting the beam steering system based on alignment signals generated from reflective portions of the optical elements, ensuring continuous alignment with the communications target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical elements are used in beam expander for optical communication, then communication bandwidth and efficiency are improved, but thermal and vibrational loads cause misalignment and degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system using a detector to monitor the position of the optical beam after it reflects off the second optical element. The detector generates alignment signals that are fed back to the beam steering system, which continuously adjusts the optical beam direction to compensate for misalignment caused by thermal and vibrational loads, thereby maintaining reliable communication despite environmental disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portion of the outgoing optical beam itself as the probe for alignment detection. By reflecting an alignment portion of the optical beam back through the beam expander to a detector, the system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction without requiring external reference sources, enabling autonomous compensation for environmental disturbances
2Reliability
If beam steering system is added to counteract disturbances, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam steering function and the alignment detection function into a single integrated system. The beam steering system uses adjustable optical elements that can change the direction of the optical beam, while the detector monitors the same beam's position after reflection. This merged approach eliminates the need for separate alignment sensors and control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The second optical element serves multiple functions: it expands the optical beam for communication and simultaneously provides a reflective surface for alignment detection. The beam steering system also performs dual functions by both directing the main optical beam and adjusting for alignment errors based on detector feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
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 effectively counteracts high-frequency disturbances, maintaining precise alignment and enhancing communication reliability and efficiency by continuously adjusting the beam steering system to compensate for thermal and vibrational loads.
Implementation Method 1
The second optical element also includes a reflective portion configured to direct an alignment portion of the optical beam back to the beam steering system through the first optical element
Implementation Method 2
A detector is configured to receive the alignment portion and generate an alignment signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmitter includes a beam steering system configured to direct an optical beam through a first optical element towards a second optical element. The beam steering system includes an adjustable optical element. The second optical element is susceptible to thermal and vibrational loads that disrupt an alignment between the first and second optical elements. The second optical element includes a main portion configured to direct the optical beam down a propagation path including a communications target. The second optical element also includes a reflective portion configured to direct an alignment portion of the optical beam back to the beam steering system through the first optical element. A detector is configured to receive the alignment portion and generate an alignment signal. A controller is configured to adjust the adjustable optical element based on the alignment signal to counteract the loads.