Microlens Array Optical Transceiver for Non-Mechanical Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems between satellites face challenges in achieving high-speed, low-cost, and low-weight solutions for inter-satellite communications, particularly due to issues like intersymbol interference and the need for improved beam steering without using large and heavy moveable telescopes.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser communication transceivers with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and microlens arrays that enable bidirectional communications by splitting and phase-adjusting optical signals, using a monolithic structure with bonded optical fibers and microlenses to achieve spatial coherence and beam steering without moveable parts, thereby mitigating intersymbol interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional optical communication systems are used, then communication functionality is achieved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering systems with microlens array-based optical phased arrays. Instead of using moveable mirrors or steering mechanisms, the system uses electronic phase control of multiple laser beams through the microlens array to achieve beam steering. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-electronic systems directly reduces transceiver weight while maintaining communication reliability through coherent beam combining and precise steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single optical channel into multiple sub-channels using a microlens array with multiple lens elements. Each lens element processes a portion of the optical signal, and the signals are recombined through coherent detection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high data rates through parallel processing while using smaller, lighter optical components compared to conventional single-channel systems, thus reducing overall transceiver weight without compromising reliability.
2Ease of operation
If moveable telescopes are used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical telescope steering mechanisms with an optical phased array system using microlens arrays and electronic phase control. Beam steering is achieved by electronically adjusting the phase of laser beams from multiple elements rather than physically moving telescope components. This eliminates complex mechanical steering systems while maintaining precise beam direction control, directly reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through electronic phase modulation of the optical signals passing through the microlens array. The phase of each beam element can be dynamically adjusted in real-time to steer the combined beam in different directions without any mechanical movement. This dynamic electronic control system replaces static or mechanically-moving telescope systems, reducing complexity while enabling flexible and rapid beam steering operation.
3Productivity
If high data rate communication is implemented, then communication speed improves, but intersymbol interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into multiple parallel sub-channels through the microlens array, each carrying a portion of the data stream. This parallel processing approach increases overall data transmission rate while maintaining signal quality in each sub-channel. The segmentation distributes the high data rate burden across multiple lower-rate channels, reducing intersymbol interference in each individual channel while achieving high aggregate productivity through coherent recombination of all sub-channels.
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 enables high-speed, low-cost, and low-weight optical communication systems with improved beam steering capabilities, reducing intersymbol interference and enhancing communication efficiency between satellites.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array, each of the plurality of optical fibers being attached to one of the plurality of lenslets
Data Source
AI summary
A laser communications terminal includes a laser, a receiver, and a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) optically coupled to the laser and the receiver. The laser communications terminal also includes a plurality of optical fibers. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is optically coupled to the PIC, and a microlens array. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is attached to the microlens array. The PIC can include a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of phase adjustment elements and each of the plurality of waveguides can be optically coupled to a corresponding phase adjustment element of the plurality of phase adjustment elements.