Parallel Optical Paths With Shared FSM for Wireless Link Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical wireless communication apparatuses suffer from energy loss and limitations in precise control of communication directions due to coaxial configurations and separation methods based on wavelength or polarization, which hinder high-speed communication.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a parallel optical path configuration for transmission and reception systems, sharing a fast steering mirror to independently control signal light without wavelength or polarization dependence, reducing energy loss and enabling high-speed communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a dichroic mirror is used to separate transmission and reception signal light based on wavelength, then signal light separation is achieved, but energy loss occurs and wavelength selectivity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate transmission and reception optical systems with independent optical paths. By segmenting the previously shared optical path, the system eliminates the need for wavelength-based separation using dichroic mirrors, thereby reducing energy loss and removing wavelength selectivity constraints.
2Productivity
If a polarization beam splitter is used to separate signal light, then separation is achieved, but transmission speed increases are hindered due to polarization mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates transmission and reception optical paths into independent systems, eliminating the need for polarization beam splitters. This segmentation removes polarization mismatch issues entirely, allowing for higher transmission speeds without polarization constraints.
3Measurement precision
If a common steering mirror is used to control both transmission and reception signal light, then precise synchronous control is achieved, but back-reflected light causes communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns separate steering mirrors to transmission and reception optical systems. This segmentation eliminates back-reflected light interference between the two paths while maintaining precise synchronous control of communication directions through independent mirror control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate steering mirrors as intermediary components for transmission and reception paths. These intermediaries prevent direct interaction between transmitted and received light, eliminating back-reflection issues while enabling precise directional control.
4Volume of moving object
If transmission and reception optical systems share the same optical axis, then miniaturization is achieved, but signal light separation becomes complex requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts separate optical axes for transmission and reception systems, eliminating the need for complex signal light separation components like dichroic mirrors or polarization beam splitters. While this increases spatial requirements compared to coaxial designs, it significantly reduces device complexity by removing unnecessary separation components.
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
This configuration minimizes energy loss and maintains precise control over communication directions, facilitating high-speed communication and compatibility with future technologies like wavelength-division multiplexing and polarization, while allowing for signal light of the same wavelength.
Implementation Method 1
share an optical drive element which is arranged on each of the optical paths in the parallel portion and is configured to deflect the signal light
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission optical system and a reception optical system of an optical wireless communication apparatus are independent of each other. Optical paths of a signal light from an antenna for both transmission and reception are parallel to each other. An integrated fast steering mirror (FSM) is arranged to span both of the optical paths.