Free-Space Optical RF Link for Atmospheric Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current FSO communication systems face limitations due to atmospheric interference, which reduces transmission distance and introduces bit errors, and existing optical systems are not capable of providing reliable, high-speed data transmission over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A free space optical communication system that includes a transmitting element with a processor to separate and quadrature-modulate signals, an optical source to generate beams of light, a modulator to modulate the beams, amplifiers to amplify the beams, and a telescope to transmit through a variably refractive medium, along with a receiving element to correct distortion and convert the signal to a radio frequency signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If free space optical communication is used to increase data throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but atmospheric interference reduces transmission distance and introduces bit errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radio frequency signals as an intermediary carrier that is modulated onto optical beams. The RF signal acts as a mediator that can be transmitted through the optical medium while being less susceptible to atmospheric interference, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving high data throughput through the optical channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of using short coherence length sources (incoherent light) instead of traditional coherent laser sources. This parameter change reduces sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence and interference, enabling reliable transmission over longer distances while maintaining high data throughput through the optical medium.
2Productivity
If traditional optical sources are used for FSO communication, then data transmission is achieved, but noise and power fluctuations reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radio frequency signals as an intermediary carrier that is modulated onto the optical beam. This RF intermediary provides a stable reference that is less affected by the noise and power fluctuations inherent in traditional optical sources, thereby improving signal stability and transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct optical modulation with radio frequency modulation. Instead of directly modulating the optical carrier which is susceptible to noise, the system uses RF signals as an intermediate step, substituting a more stable modulation approach that reduces the impact of optical source fluctuations.
3Reliability
If radio frequency and microwave communications are used, then reliable transmission is achieved, but spectrum limitations prevent sufficient data delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radio frequency and optical communication technologies into a hybrid system. The RF component provides reliable modulation and reference signals, while the optical component provides high bandwidth for data delivery. This combination achieves both reliability from RF and high data capacity from optical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a multi-functional communication platform that utilizes both RF and optical domains. The RF signals serve multiple functions including modulation carrier, reference signal, and error correction, while the optical channel provides high-capacity data transport, achieving universal functionality that satisfies both reliability and data delivery requirements.
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 highly reliable and available data transmission over long distances, overcoming atmospheric interference and achieving high-speed data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an optical source configured to generate a beam of light; a modulator configured to receive the first time-division combined signal and the beam of light, and modulate the beam of light
Implementation Method 2
a telescope configured to transmit the amplified beam of light through the variably refractive medium
Implementation Method 3
a photoreceiver configured to receive the amplified beam of light and extract a second time-division combined signal from the amplified beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a free space optical system for optically transmitting processed radio frequency signals through a variably refractive medium. The system may include a transmitting element configured to receive a first signal and process it to generate a time-division combined signal. The transmitting element includes an optical source to generate a beam of light, a modulator to modulate the beam of light based on the time-division combined signal, and an amplifier to amplify the modulated beam of light, which is transmitted through the variably refractive medium. A receiving element includes a photoreceiver to receive the amplified beam of light and extract a second time-division combined signal, a correction unit to correct distortion in the second time-division combined signal, a mixer to multiply the corrected signal with a predetermined frequency signal, an amplifier to amplify the multiplied signal, and an antenna to emit a radio signal generated from the amplified multiplied signal.