Segmented Optical Phased Array Aperture Sharing for Multi-Terminal Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communications systems require multiple terminals to maintain continuous connectivity with multiple remote optical communications terminals, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for precise beam steering and alignment with each terminal individually.
Innovation Solution
A segmented optical phased array (OPA) architecture with a photonic integrated chip, featuring multiple segments with phase shifters, switches, and splitters, allowing for simultaneous alignment and communication with multiple remote terminals by configuring switches for joint or independent functionality of segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate terminals are used to maintain continuous connectivity with multiple remote terminals, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple terminal functions into a single OPA device by implementing segmented apertures that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be directed toward different remote terminals, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple separate terminals while maintaining continuous connectivity with multiple remote endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The OPA device is designed with multi-functionality to communicate with multiple remote terminals simultaneously. The segmented aperture structure enables each segment to serve different communication functions, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized terminals while maintaining reliability of connections.
2Reliability
If multiple separate terminals are used to maintain continuous connectivity with multiple remote terminals, then connectivity reliability is improved, but material and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple terminals into a single integrated OPA device. By combining multiple aperture segments and control mechanisms in one device, the total material quantity required is reduced compared to deploying multiple separate terminals, while maintaining the same connectivity reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional OPA architecture is used with single aperture, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to communicate with multiple terminals simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the OPA aperture into multiple independent segments. Each segment can be independently controlled to point at different remote terminals, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple terminals. This segmentation approach maintains relative architectural simplicity while dramatically improving multi-terminal adaptability.
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 connectivity with fewer terminals, reducing material and maintenance costs while allowing for efficient communication with multiple remote terminals through simultaneous beam alignment and transmission/reception.
Implementation Method 1
Each active element in the OPA requires electro-optic phase shifting capability
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of switches corresponding to each of the plurality of segments
Implementation Method 3
one or more splitters
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide an optical communications terminal comprising an optical phased array (OPA) photonic integrated chip comprising a plurality of phase shifters arranged in a plurality of segments; one or more additional phase shifters, a plurality of switches corresponding to each of the plurality of segments; and one or more splitters The optical communications terminal further comprising a full array transceiver configured to allow for transmission and receipt of optical communications beams functionality with the plurality of segments; and a plurality of segment transceivers each associated with one of the plurality of segments.