Multi-Beam Free Space Optical Transceiver Lens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free space optical (FSO) transceivers are limited to point-to-point links due to the high directivity of light beams, leading to scalability issues and high costs in multi-beam systems, which are complex, cumbersome, and power-hungry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam FSO apparatus with a lens assembly and a planar array of optical communication devices that directs ingress light to a focal plane and egress light into a specific angular range, enabling simultaneous operation on multiple point-to-point links with a scalable and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scanning systems are used to increase the number of data links a single FSO transceiver can service, then the number of data links is improved, but the system becomes costly, delicate, slow, cumbersome, mechanically complex, and power hungry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a static lens assembly that uses optical focusing to direct multiple beams simultaneously. Instead of mechanically moving the transceiver to scan different directions, the lens assembly refracts light to create multiple fixed beams pointing in different directions, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining multi-link capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point transceiver to a planar array of optical communication devices arranged in association with the focal plane. This two-dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous operation on multiple point-to-point links by distributing transceivers across the focal plane, where each transceiver handles a specific angular portion of the lens assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved-surface assembly with an array of discrete FSO transceivers is used to achieve multi-beam operation, then multi-beam capability is improved, but the assembly becomes large, expensive, difficult to assemble and repair, and difficult to align
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical communication function into discrete segments by arranging optical communication devices in a planar array across the focal plane. Each device handles a specific angular portion, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall multi-beam capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a lens assembly with a focal plane that naturally focuses incoming light from different angular directions to specific points. This optical focusing principle eliminates the need for complex curved-surface assemblies with discrete transceivers, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the same multi-beam effect
3Reliability
If previously available FSO transceivers are used, then point-to-point link quality is maintained, but scalability to multi-beam systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lens assembly and planar array configuration universal by designing it to work with standard FSO transceivers. The system maintains the reliable point-to-point link quality of individual transceivers while adding multi-beam scalability through the optical focusing architecture that can accommodate multiple transceivers in the planar array
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 solution allows for scalable and cost-effective FSO networks by enabling simultaneous operation on multiple links with a compact and efficient design, overcoming the limitations of previous FSO transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
The lens assembly includes at least one surface shaped to direct ingress light received substantially within a first angular range towards a focal plane
Implementation Method 2
The lens assembly includes at least one surface shaped to direct egress light away from the focal plane into the first angular range
Data Source
AI summary
Free space optics (FSO) is a wireless technology that utilizes optical frequencies. Previously available FSO transceivers are restricted to point-to-point links because of the high directivity of laser light used to transmit data. By contrast, various implementations disclosed herein include a multi-beam FSO apparatus that is less reliant on point-to-point links, and includes a lens assembly and a planar array of optical communication devices. The lens assembly includes at least one surface shaped to direct ingress light received substantially within a first angular range towards a focal plane, and to direct egress light away from the focal plane into the first angular range. The planar array includes a plurality of optical communication devices arranged in association with the focal plane of the lens assembly, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication devices characterizes at least one of a plurality of optical communication link endpoints.