Integrated Optical Tracking Receiver for FSO Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems, particularly FSO communications, face challenges with complex and mechanically demanding alignment processes due to the need for multiple beam paths for detection and alignment, leading to potential loss of data and reduced bandwidth if alignment is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking and detector device with a position sensor and optical detector configuration that includes an optical aperture and position receivers to detect misalignment, utilizing a focusing optic to focus incoming light onto the detector, reducing complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam splitter is used to separate communication and alignment light beams into different paths, then alignment detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication detector and alignment sensor into a single integrated device. The position sensor and optical detector share the same housing and optical path, eliminating the need for separate beam splitters and multiple independent detection systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining alignment detection capability through the position sensor's ability to detect beam position directly.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beam paths are used for detection and alignment purposes, then alignment accuracy is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single compact device. The position sensor and optical detector are housed together with shared optical components, eliminating the need for separate beam paths and reducing the overall system size while maintaining alignment accuracy through integrated sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects alignment through the position sensor, receives communication signals through the optical detector, and provides focusing through the lens. This multi-functionality reduces system size by eliminating redundant components while maintaining alignment accuracy through the position sensor's direct measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple beam paths and components are used for alignment, then alignment capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines alignment sensing and communication detection into a single integrated device, reducing the number of optical components needed. This merging eliminates expensive beam splitters and multiple independent detectors, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining alignment capability through the position sensor's direct position measurement function.
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 device simplifies alignment by directly detecting misalignment and adjusting optical components, ensuring efficient data reception and reducing system size, weight, and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The focusing optic focuses the portion of the incoming light that passed through the position sensor onto the optical device
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of position receivers positioned adjacent to the optical aperture, the plurality of position receivers configured to sense portions of the incoming light
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector configured to detect the portion of the incoming light that passes through the position sensor aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking detector device for use in a free-space optics (FSO) system includes a position sensor and an optical receiver coupled to the bottom surface of the position sensor. The position sensor has an optical aperture configured to allow a portion of incoming light to pass through the position sensor and a plurality of position receivers located adjacent to the optical aperture and configured to sense portions of the incoming light. The tracking detector device may also include a focusing optic disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the position sensor and configured to focus the portion of the incoming light that passed through the position sensor onto the optical receiver. The tracking detector may advantageously be employed in FSO communications systems and provide fully automated alignment with an incoming light beam under computer control.