Marcus A Bagnell

Title: Marcus A. Bagnell and Compact Optical Communications

Introduction

Marcus A. Bagnell is an inventor based in Menlo Park, California, and is associated with SRI International. His patent work addresses optical communications systems designed to reduce size, weight, and power requirements, particularly for links between satellites or other distant systems in relative motion.

Latest Patents

Bagnell is credited with 1 patent: “Free Space Optical Communications System Including Optical Phased Array Telescope.” The invention describes using an optical phased array (OPA) and an actuator, such as a diamagnetically levitated magnetic actuator, to orient the array toward a distant target. Compared with traditional telescopes, an OPA can offer a smaller, lighter, and less costly approach while maintaining a similar beam aperture. The actuator can also reduce the need for phase-shifter elements, helping lower system complexity, cost, and power consumption.

Career Highlights

Bagnell’s listed patent reflects work on compact, steerable optical systems for communications between moving platforms. The design focuses on practical constraints that matter in satellite and other long-distance communication applications, including equipment size, mass, power use, and pointing control.

Collaborations

Bagnell is associated with SRI International. Nicole A. Heidel is identified as a coworker.

Conclusion

Marcus A. Bagnell’s patent contribution centers on using an actuated optical phased array to make free-space optical communications more compact and efficient.