Light Guide Plate Optical Receiver for Shielded Space Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-receiving devices for optical space communication face challenges in maintaining continuous communication when a part of the light-receiving surface is shielded by objects like mud or snow, and they often have difficulty in expanding the light-receiving surface to accommodate such obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A light-receiving device comprising a light guide plate, a wave plate that converts circularly polarized light to linearly polarized light, a hologram layer that guides the optical signal towards the emission end, and a light receiver that converts the signal into an electrical signal, allowing for continuous communication even if a part of the surface is shielded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single light-receiving element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the light-receiving surface cannot be two-dimensionally expanded and communication cannot continue when shielding objects adhere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional light-receiving arrangement to a two-dimensional light-receiving surface by positioning multiple light-receiving elements at different locations on the light guide plate. This dimensional expansion allows the system to receive optical signals from multiple directions simultaneously, ensuring communication continuity even when some areas are shielded by objects like mud or snow.
2Reliability
If the light-receiving surface is expanded to maintain communication during shielding, then communication reliability improves, but multiple light-receiving elements are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide plate as an intermediary component that receives optical signals across its entire surface and guides them to multiple light-receiving elements. This mediator allows the system to achieve two-dimensional light reception capability without directly complicating the signal processing architecture, as the light guide plate handles the spatial distribution of signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a special-shaped light-receiving device is used for omnidirectional reception, then reception capability improves, but it becomes difficult to attach protective measures like wipers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light guide plate serve multiple functions: it acts as both the light-receiving surface for omnidirectional signal reception and as a standardized mounting platform for protective components like wipers. By designing the light guide plate with standard mounting surfaces, the system achieves versatile reception capability while maintaining ease of manufacture and maintenance.
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 device enables continuous optical space communication by expanding the light-receiving surface and effectively guiding optical signals around obstructions, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
Implementation Method 1
a wave plate that is disposed on the first surface of the light guide plate and converts an optical signal of circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a hologram layer that is disposed on the second surface of the light guide plate and guides a traveling direction of the optical signal converted into the linearly polarized light toward the emission end of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
a light receiver that receives the optical signal emitted from the emission end of the light guide plate and converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A light-receiving device includes: a light guide plate that is a transparent member having, as main surfaces, a first surface and a second surface facing each other and has an emission end formed on at least one end portion of the light guide plate; a wave plate that is disposed on the first surface of the light guide plate and converts an optical signal of circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light; a hologram layer that is disposed on the second surface of the light guide plate and guides a traveling direction of the optical signal converted into the linearly polarized light toward the emission end of the light guide plate; and a light receiver that receives the optical signal emitted from the emission end of the light guide plate and converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal.