Optical Terminal Wide-Field Detection for Stealth Laser Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-sky cameras and similar wide-field sensors are not utilized in free-space optical communication, limiting the establishment of secure optical communication links without radio frequency channels.
Innovation Solution
An optical terminal equipped with a wide-field sensor having a field of view enclosing a target angular range, a laser communication unit, and a steering unit, controlled by a controller to align and emit laser beams to detected optical signals, enabling secure free-space laser communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-field sensor is used to detect optical signals from a wide angular range, then the ability to establish optical communication links with potential partners is improved, but the complexity of the optical terminal system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical terminal is divided into functionally independent modules: a wide-field sensor for detection, a steering unit for beam orientation, and a laser communication unit for transmission. Each module operates independently and can be optimized separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wide-field sensor serves multiple functions: detecting optical signals from communication partners, identifying target directions, and enabling the system to adapt to various communication scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If a steering unit is added to align the laser beam with the detected target direction, then the precision of optical communication establishment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering unit receives real-time feedback from the wide-field sensor about the detected optical signal position and automatically adjusts the laser beam orientation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise alignment without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering unit acts as an intermediary between the detection function and the transmission function, translating the detected target direction into precise beam orientation. This intermediate component simplifies the overall control architecture by separating detection and actuation functions.
3Ease of operation
If radio frequency communication is used for position information exchange, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stealth and security of the communication link deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic communication with optical communication using laser beams. This substitution eliminates the need for RF transmissions, providing both ease of operation through direct optical link establishment and enhanced security by avoiding detection by RF monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication medium is changed from radio frequency waves to optical waves, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the communication signal. This parameter change enables stealthy operation while maintaining operational effectiveness, as optical signals are invisible to RF detection systems.
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
Establishes secure optical communication links without radio frequency transmissions, providing an additional layer of stealth and enabling communication with potential partners across a wide field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a wide-field sensor configured and arranged to have a field of view enclosing at least a target angular range, wherein the wide-field sensor is configured to generate a detection signal in response to a detection of an optical signal having an intensity above a predetermined threshold incident from a target direction within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
a laser communication unit comprising a laser source configured to generate a laser beam, an optical system having an optical axis and configured to receive the laser beam on the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a steering unit configured to control at least one component of the optical system for steering the laser beam over the entire target angular range, a controller configured to control the steering unit for aligning the optical axis to the determined target direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an optical terminal (1) for free space laser communication, comprising a wide-field sensor (2) configured and arranged to have a field of view (21) enclosing at least a cone having an apex angle of 45° of a target angular range (R), wherein the wide-field sensor (2) is configured to generate a detection signal (21) in response to a detection of an optical signal (5) having an intensity above a predetermined threshold incident from a target direction (T) within the field of view (21), a laser communication unit (3) comprising a laser source (31) configured to generate a laser beam (B), an optical system (32) having an optical axis (A) and configured to receive the laser beam (B) on the optical axis (A), and a steering unit (33) configured to control at least one component of the optical system (32) for steering the laser beam (B) over the entire target angular range, a controller (4) configured to receive the detection signal (21) from the wide-field sensor (2), determine the target direction (T) based on the detection signal (21), control the steering unit (33) for aligning the optical axis (A) to the determined target direction (T), and control the laser source (31) for emitting the laser beam (B). The present invention further provides a ground station (6), an aircraft (7), a satellite (8), an all-sky camera (2) for use in free space laser communication as well as a method for free space laser communication.