Optical Phased Array Antenna for Space Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Free-space optical communication apparatuses require additional components and increased size and power consumption due to the need for separate light sources and optical antennas for communication and beacon lights.
Innovation Solution
A phased array type free-space optical communication apparatus that uses a single optical antenna to output both communication and beacon lights, employing an optical phased array antenna, phase control circuits, and a signal processing unit to manage beam steering and phase synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light sources and optical antennas are used for communication light and beacon light, then the acquisition and tracking of received light is improved, but the apparatus size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication light and beacon light into a single optical antenna system. The optical antenna outputs both communication light (modulated with communication signals) and beacon light (unmodulated or weakly modulated) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate optical antennas for each function. This merging reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining the ability to perform both communication and acquisition/tracking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the communication light transmitter and the beacon light transmitter. The system uses the same optical antenna for initial acquisition of received light, tracking during communication, and actual data transmission, making the optical antenna a universal component that eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If separate light sources and optical antennas are used for communication light and beacon light, then the acquisition and tracking of received light is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power consumption of separate light sources and optical antennas into a single integrated system. By using one optical antenna to output both communication light and beacon light, the system eliminates the need for dual separate optical antennas and their associated power consumption, thereby reducing overall power usage while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical antenna performs multiple functions including beacon light transmission and communication light transmission, thereby reducing the total power consumption compared to having separate dedicated components for each function. The universal optical antenna shares the same power supply and control infrastructure, optimizing energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single optical antenna is used for both communication light and beacon light, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the beam control and acquisition precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical output into distinct communication light and beacon light components within the single optical antenna. By controlling different portions or modes of the optical output from the same antenna, the system maintains precise beam control for both functions simultaneously, ensuring that acquisition precision is not compromised despite using a single antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the optical antenna to switch between or combine beacon light and communication light output as needed. The optical antenna can be dynamically adjusted to provide wide-angle beacon light for acquisition or focused communication light for data transmission, maintaining the necessary precision for both functions through dynamic beam shaping and steering.
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
Enables efficient acquisition and tracking of received light without a beacon, reducing the apparatus's size and power consumption while maintaining high-speed communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array type free-space optical communication apparatus that performs communication by outputting laser light to space
Implementation Method 2
employing an optical phased array antenna, phase control circuits, and a signal processing unit to manage beam steering and phase synchronization
Implementation Method 3
a free-space optical communication apparatus that performs communication by outputting laser light to space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
There includes: an optical splitter splitting modulated light into local oscillator light and signal light beams; a phase adjustment unit adjusting phases of signal light beams ; an optical amplification unit amplifying signal light beams phase-adjusted; an optical phased array antenna outputting signal light beams amplified to space; a phase control unit synchronizing with a reference signal signal light beams" output from the optical phased array antenna and multiplexed with the local oscillator light; an acquisition and tracking mechanism adjusting output angles of signal light beams; an angle detection unit detecting arrival angles of received light; and a control unit setting the reference signal to first reference signals having different frequencies, supplementing the received light based on a detection result, setting the reference signal to second reference signals having equal frequencies, and tracking the received light based on the detection result.