Optical Terminal Matrix Sensor Tracking Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication terminals using laser signals face challenges in reducing bulk, weight, and the number of optical components, particularly in routing signals to a reception photodetector and adjusting for point-ahead offset.
Innovation Solution
A terminal structure incorporating a matrix image sensor with photosensitive elements for tracking and acquisition, combined with spectral filtering to manage signal intensity and reduce component count, allowing for efficient signal routing and adjustment without saturating the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal uses multiple optical components for signal routing and tracking, then the reliability and precision of optical communication is improved, but the bulk, weight, and cost of the terminal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking function and acquisition function into a single matrix image sensor device. The tracking detector and acquisition detector are integrated as one component, reducing the number of separate optical devices. This merging maintains the reliability of both functions while reducing the overall bulk and weight of the terminal compared to using separate dedicated detectors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix image sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a tracking detector and an acquisition detector, and also functions as a alignment monitor for the optical fiber input end. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing terminal weight while maintaining communication reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a terminal uses multiple optical components for signal routing and tracking, then the precision of signal detection and routing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking detector and acquisition detector into a single matrix image sensor with multiple photosensitive elements arranged in rows and columns. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate optical paths and multiple independent detection devices, while maintaining high measurement precision through the array structure that enables simultaneous tracking and acquisition measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix image sensor performs multiple functions including tracking, acquisition, and optical fiber alignment monitoring, reducing the overall device complexity. By using one universal component instead of multiple specialized components, the patent simplifies the optical system architecture while preserving detection precision through the sensor's ability to resolve multiple spatial positions simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the terminal uses a detector to detect both transmission laser signals and calibration radiation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected by signal saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectral filtering to specific regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The filter is designed to transmit calibration radiation at certain wavelengths while blocking transmission laser signals at different wavelengths. This local quality approach allows the single detector to measure both signals without saturation by ensuring that when measuring calibration radiation, the intense laser signal is filtered out, and vice versa.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the detected radiation by introducing a spectral filter. This parameter change allows the detector to selectively measure different wavelength ranges at different times, preventing signal saturation when detecting calibration radiation while maintaining the ability to detect transmission laser signals when needed, thus preserving measurement precision.
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 solution reduces the bulk, weight, and cost of the terminal while maintaining sensitivity and precision in detecting and routing laser signals, enabling effective optical communication over large distances with reduced optical components.
Implementation Method 1
the terminal further comprises at least one spectral filtering element which is disposed so that at least the part of the second laser signals and the calibration radiation which then reach the detection surface of the tracking and acquisition detector pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a tracking and acquisition detector, of matrix image sensor type in which photosensitive elements are arranged at intersections of rows and columns inside a detection surface
Implementation Method 3
routing within a terminal the optical communication laser signals which are received by this terminal to a reception photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal (100) for optical communication by laser signals including a matrix image sensor used as a tracking and acquisition detector (2). The matrix image sensor is used simultaneously to check that a portion of the laser signals received by the terminal are injected into an optical fibre (1). A spectral filter element (22) is associated with the matrix image sensor to allow such a combination of functions.