Optical Phased Array Beam Steering for Free-Space Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-space optical communication links are sensitive to impairments such as misalignment, vibration, and scintillation, which affect the stability and accuracy of point-to-point communication.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an array of optical detector modules and an optical phased array for dynamic steering of optical beams, with circuitry to control the detector modules and phased array based on intensity information, enabling high-speed communication that is less sensitive to misalignment and atmospheric effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point optical communication links use large lenses for directing optical beams, then communication stability is improved, but sensitivity to misalignment and vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical detection function into multiple discrete detector elements arranged in an array, where each element independently detects light intensity at its specific location. This segmentation allows the system to identify beam position and perform dynamic steering without requiring a single large, precision-aligned lens system, thereby reducing sensitivity to misalignment and vibration while maintaining communication stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability that allows the optical system to adapt its pointing direction in real-time based on detected beam positions. This dynamic adjustment compensates for misalignment and vibration effects, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable communication and reducing sensitivity to environmental disturbances.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic beam steering is implemented using optical phased arrays, then sensitivity to misalignment is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering mechanisms (such as rotating mirrors or movable lenses) with an optical phased array system that achieves beam steering through electronic phase control of multiple optical elements. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while achieving the same functional goal of dynamic beam pointing, thereby reducing sensitivity to misalignment without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
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 provides a high-speed optical communication system that dynamically adjusts to maintain alignment and stability, reducing sensitivity to misalignment, vibration, and scintillation, thereby ensuring reliable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an optical phased array providing the optical beam transmitted to the remote node
Implementation Method 2
at least one array of optical detector modules detecting the portion of the optical beam received from the remote node
Data Source
AI summary
Optical communication with a remote node comprises: transmitting at least one optical beam to the remote node; receiving at least a portion of at least one optical beam from the remote node; providing intensity information based on one or more signals from one or more optical detector modules in an array of optical detector modules detecting the portion of the optical beam received from the remote node; and controlling at least one optical phased array to steer the optical beam transmitted to the remote node based on intensity information received from the remote node.