Optical Pointing Unit for Coarse and Fine Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pointing units for free space optical communications lack efficient mechanisms for both coarse and fine beam steering, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity, particularly when integrated into vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A pointing unit that combines electro-optic crystals and optical elements, such as wedge prisms or metasurfaces, to achieve both coarse and fine steering capabilities, reducing the need for separate components and additional optics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical steering mechanisms are used to control beam direction, then beam steering capability is achieved, but mechanical wear and failure occur reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmechanical steering mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical steering mechanisms with an optical arrangement comprising optically transmissive steering elements. These elements control the beam direction through optical properties (refractive index, orientation) rather than mechanical movement, eliminating mechanical wear and failure modes while maintaining beam steering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from mechanical position to optical parameters (refractive index and orientation of steering elements). By controlling the orientation and refractive index of the optically transmissive elements, the beam direction is steered without any mechanical movement of the elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If atmospheric communication channels are used, then communication coverage is extended, but atmospheric interference degrades signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidatmospheric interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiving terminal sends feedback signals to the transmitting terminal about channel conditions. This allows the system to adapt to atmospheric interference by adjusting transmission parameters and maintaining communication quality despite varying atmospheric conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The optical arrangement is designed to work with free space optical communication terminals and can be adapted to different communication scenarios (mobile and fixed applications). The system provides universal beam steering capability that works across various atmospheric conditions and communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If precise beam steering is achieved through multiple controllable elements, then beam control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam control precisionVSAvoidoptical arrangement with multiple elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the beam steering function into multiple optically transmissive steering elements, each contributing to the overall beam direction control. This segmentation allows precise beam steering through coordinated control of individual elements while maintaining a compact optical arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple steering elements into a single integrated optical arrangement that works together to achieve precise beam steering. The merged structure provides coordinated control of beam direction without requiring separate mechanical systems for each steering function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 combined steering approach reduces the spatial footprint, weight, and cost of the pointing unit while enhancing its field-of-regard, making it suitable for vehicles and other applications requiring efficient beam steering.

Implementation Method 1

the orientation of at least one element (101a, 101b), and the refractive index of at least one element (101a, 101b), are controllable to steer a beam (107b) towards a target (110)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4175200B1Pointing units and methods of operating pointing units

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 AIRBUS (SAS)

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Figure 3a~3c

AI summary

A pointing unit (100) for use with a free space optical (FSO) communications terminal (105) is disclosed. The pointing unit (100) comprises an optical arrangement (101) of one or more optically transmissive steering elements (101a, 101b). The steering elements (101a, 101b) are arranged in an optical path of an incident beam (107) entering the optical arrangement (100), and the orientation of at least one element (101a, 101b), and the refractive index of at least one element (101a, 101b), are controllable to steer a beam (107b) towards a target (110).