Optical Phased Array Telescope for Satellite Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopes used for long-distance optical propagation in space applications are large, heavy, and require complex steering mechanisms, making them unsuitable for integration onto CubeSat-type platforms.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical phased array (OPA) system that includes a first optical expansion element with emitter gratings and a beam splitter, where the relative phase between light emitted from each emitter grating is static, and a steering actuator to adjust the orientation of the OPA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large telescope is used to resize the beam and provide space for beam expansion, then the beam quality and aperture are improved, but the size, weight, and volume of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical telescope system with an optical phased array that uses wave interference and phase modulation to achieve beam expansion. Instead of physical mirrors and lenses occupying large volumes, the OPA uses a planar array of emitters with controlled phase relationships to synthesize the expanded beam, eliminating the need for large mechanical optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using coherent light emission from multiple phased array elements rather than passive optical propagation through a telescope. By controlling the phase and amplitude of individual emitter elements, the system dynamically synthesizes the desired beam profile, transforming the beam expansion function from a geometric to a wave-interference-based process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gimbal steering mechanism is used to point the assembly, then the field of regard and repositioning speed are improved, but the size, weight, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal steering system with an optical phased array that achieves beam pointing through electronic phase control. Instead of physically rotating heavy telescope assemblies, the OPA electronically steers the beam by modulating the phase of individual emitter elements, dramatically reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or expanding the field of regard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through electronic phase modulation of the phased array elements. The beam direction can be rapidly changed by adjusting phase parameters in real-time, providing a dynamic steering capability that is faster and more flexible than mechanical gimbals, while enabling electronic scanning across a wide field of regard without moving parts.
3Speed
If a gimbal steering mechanism is used to move the assembly, then the repositioning speed is improved, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the heavy mechanical gimbal structure by using an optical phased array with electronic beam steering. The repositioning speed is maintained or improved through rapid electronic phase modulation, while the weight is dramatically reduced by removing large motors, bearings, and structural components required for mechanical rotation of telescope assemblies.
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 solution reduces the size, weight, and complexity of the beam expansion system, enabling more efficient and compact optical communications, while maintaining high beam quality and steering performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical phased array, wherein the optical phased array comprises a first optical expansion element having at least two emitter gratings and a beam splitter, wherein the at least two emitter gratings are configured to receive, via the beam splitter, respective portions of an input optical beam and to emit respective portions of a combined output optical beam
Implementation Method 2
a steering actuator mechanically coupled to the optical phased array and configured to adjust an orientation of the optical phased array
Data Source
AI summary
Improved systems and methods for optical communications are provided that have reduced size, weight, and power use. Such system and methods can find, use between satellites or other distant systems that are in significant relative motion. Such embodiments include the use of a diamagnetically levitated magnetic actuator or other actuator to control the orientation of an optical phased array (OPA), thereby aiming the array at distant target systems. An OPA has reduced size and mass relative to traditional telescopes, providing similar beam apertures while having reduced size, weight, and cost of the OPA and associated actuators. The actuator allows the OPA to omit, or to include fewer, phase shifter elements than previous steerable OPA telescopes, reducing complexity', cost, and power requirements.