Optical Transceiver Beam Diversion for Angular Deviation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In free space laser optical communication, the continuous measurement of the angular deviation between transmission and reception directions is challenging during the tracking step due to interference with the detection of received signals, and periodic measurements reduce data transmission time.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver assembly with a coupling system that directs a portion of the transmitted beam onto the photodetector matrix outside the useful zone, allowing simultaneous detection of received and diverted signals, enabling real-time compensation of the angular deviation without reducing data transmission time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a retractable reflector is placed in the transmission path to measure the co-alignment angle, then the angular deviation measurement is enabled, but the measurement cannot be performed during the tracking step because the reflector obscures the optical entrance field
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector matrix is divided into two distinct zones: a useful zone for detecting received signals and a calibration zone for detecting the diverted transmission beam. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without mutual interference, enabling continuous angular deviation measurement during data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is extracted from the useful detection zone by directing a portion of the transmitted beam to a separate calibration zone on the photodetector matrix. This extraction allows the measurement of angular deviation to occur independently from the reception of communication signals, eliminating the need to retract the reflector during tracking.
2Measurement precision
If the reflector is permanently placed in the transmission path to enable continuous measurement, then real-time angular deviation compensation is achieved, but the received signals are interfered with in the useful zone of the photodetector matrix
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the photodetector matrix are assigned different functions: the useful zone detects received communication signals while the calibration zone detects the diverted transmission beam. This local differentiation of function allows both measurement and communication to occur simultaneously without cross-interference, as each zone processes its designated signal type independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling system acts as an intermediary to divert a portion of the transmitted beam to the calibration zone without affecting the main transmission path. This intermediary mechanism allows the measurement function to be coupled to the transmission system while isolating it from the reception system, preventing interference between the two functions.
3Measurement precision
If periodic measurements of the co-alignment angle are performed, then the angular deviation is updated, but the data transmission time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angular deviation measurement operates continuously during the entire data transmission process rather than periodically interrupting it. The coupling system continuously diverts a portion of the transmission beam to the calibration zone, allowing real-time measurement and compensation while maintaining uninterrupted data transmission, thus achieving both high measurement precision and high productivity.
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 continuous, precise measurement and compensation of the angular deviation between transmission and reception directions during the tracking step, maintaining data transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupling system, arranged in order to direct a portion of a beam of the first signals onto the photodetector matrix
Implementation Method 2
a matrix of photodetectors arranged to detect the second signals received at a point in a useful zone of the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver assembly comprises a transmission system, a reception system and a coupling system which directs a part of the signals produced by the transmission system to the reception system. Said part of the transmission signals is detected by a photodetector matrix of the reception system, outside an useful zone of the matrix which is dedicated to the detection of the received signals. A transmission direction may therefore be determined in real time while the received signals are detected. A difference between the transmission direction and a reception direction of the transceiver assembly may then be precisely compensated for at each moment during a tracking step. The transceiver assembly may be a free space laser optical communication terminal.