Laser Relay Module for Free Space Optical Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lasercom systems for space and airborne platforms are inefficient in terms of size, weight, and power usage, requiring complex interconnect cabling and electronic components, making them impractical for modular deployment and resulting in high costs and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
The laser relay module (LRM) design includes an optical telescope, optical diplexer, amplifier, modulated beacon laser, and beacon detector for efficient optical data transmission and reception, utilizing circular polarization or spectral diversity for dual signal paths, and beam steering mirrors to compensate for node jitter, allowing for modular, self-contained, and scalable optical communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional O-E-O lasercom systems are used in space, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but system weight, power consumption, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electronic conversion stage from the conventional O-E-O system, creating a direct optical-to-optical transmission path. This removes the weight of electronic receivers, power amplifiers, and associated cabling while maintaining reliable optical signal transmission through the free space channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic signal conversion system with a purely optical system. Instead of converting optical signals to electrical signals and back, the system uses optical modulators and optical amplifiers to directly manipulate and amplify optical signals, eliminating the need for electronic components and their associated weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lasercom systems with separate optical and laser structures are used, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate optical structures and laser components into a single integrated modular unit. The optical telescope, modulators, amplifiers, and control systems are combined into one manufacturable module that can be produced as a complete functional unit, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing and integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the modular lasercom system to perform multiple functions within a single integrated unit. Each module can transmit, receive, and relay optical signals while maintaining its own internal alignment and control, making the system universally applicable to various spacecraft configurations without requiring complex custom integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular laser relay modules are deployed, then system scalability and deployment flexibility improve, but the number of components per module must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lasercom system into identical, self-contained modular relay units. Each module is designed to be functionally complete with its own optical path and control systems, allowing the overall system to be scaled by simply adding or removing modules without increasing the complexity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional subsystems within each modular unit, with the optical telescope, modulators, amplifiers, and control electronics all contained within a single integrated module. This nesting approach allows multiple modules to be deployed on a spacecraft while minimizing the total component count and interconnect requirements.
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 LRM significantly reduces size, weight, and power usage, enabling multiple modules per spacecraft, supporting high-bandwidth connectivity, and facilitating network reconfiguration, while maintaining transparent data transmission and accommodating standard evolution.
Implementation Method 1
an optical amplifier for restoring a signal level of the received optical data stream beam to a predetermined level for a transmitted data stream beam
Implementation Method 2
a modulated beacon laser for line of sight control of a plurality of communicating remote network nodes, and for optical transmission of status, system management, and telemetry data to other network nodes
Implementation Method 3
a beacon beam detector for detecting an incoming beacon optical beam for line of sight control of the optical telescope and receiving status, system management, and telemetry data from other network nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser relay module for free space optical communications including an optical telescope for receiving and transmitting optical beams; an optical diplexer for separating transmitting and received optical beams; an optical amplifier; a modulated beacon laser for line of sight control of a plurality of communicating remote network nodes; a beacon beam detector for detecting an incoming beacon optical beam for line of sight control of the optical telescope and receiving data from other network nodes; and means for inserting an output of the modulated beacon laser into the optical telescope for transmission to another network node, and for transporting the incoming beacon optical beam to the beacon detector.