Optical Receiver Sensor Array for Tracking-Free FSOC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) systems are complex, costly, bulky, and unreliable due to the need for precise tracking and wavefront correction using mechanically moving parts, which are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
An optical receiver system utilizing a sensor array with a wide field of view, image or event-based cameras, and multiplexing arrangements to simplify and enhance data capture, reduce tracking complexity, and increase data transfer rates, while incorporating security measures through beam splitting and wavelength/polarization separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use precise tracking and wavefront correction with mechanically moving parts, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically moving parts (fast steering mirrors) with a stationary sensor array that electronically tracks light beams. The sensor array captures light from multiple positions simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while maintaining tracking precision through digital processing rather than physical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical tracking to two-dimensional spatial sampling by arranging sensors in an array. This allows simultaneous measurement of light position across multiple spatial dimensions, replacing sequential mechanical adjustment with parallel electronic detection.
2Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use mechanically moving parts for tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to parts prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanically moving parts that are prone to failure by using a stationary sensor array. The system achieves tracking precision through electronic means rather than mechanical adjustment, removing the reliability bottleneck associated with moving components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional FSOC systems use fast steering mirrors and adaptive optics, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases due to bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical components (fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics) with a lightweight stationary sensor array. The system achieves wavefront correction and tracking precision through electronic processing of signals from multiple sensor elements rather than physical manipulation of light paths, dramatically reducing system weight.
4Productivity
If traditional FSOC systems couple light into optical fiber, then data transfer is improved, but device complexity increases due to coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light coupling requirement from the system by directly detecting light with the sensor array without intermediate optical fiber coupling. This eliminates the complex alignment and coupling mechanisms while maintaining data transfer capability through direct electronic detection of light signals.
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 proposed solution reduces the need for precise tracking, lowers costs, and enhances reliability and data transfer rates by simplifying the system architecture and integrating robust security features.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor array having sensor elements configured to detect a light beam carrying data
Data Source
AI summary
An optical receiver, a communication terminal with an optical receiver, an optical communication system with a communication terminal, and an apparatus, such as a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with a communication system are described, the optical receiver including at least one sensor array having sensor elements configured to detect a light beam carrying data, a capturing unit configured to read out light values from the sensor elements based on the detected light beam, and a processor configured to obtain the light values and to extract at least a part of the data carried by the detected light beam.