Space Photonics, Inc.

Other

Terry L Tidwell

Charles Henry Chalfant, Iii

Michael H Leary

Fred J Orlando

Jeffrey T Gregory

Chad B O'Neal

Matthew Leftwich

Liam Borsodi

An acquisition, pointing, and tracking (ATP) apparatus for free space optical (FSO) communications systems incorporates a multi-element detector array positioned at a focal plane of an optical telescope. An optical communications element lies at the center of the detector array. In lieu of traditional beam steering, the apparatus performs pointing and tracking functions internally by first calculating a position of an optical maximum on the detector array, and then translating the detector array within the focal plane of the telescope such that the optical communications element lies at the optical maximum for transmitting and/or receiving optical communications signals.

Acquisition, tracking, and pointing apparatus for free space optical communications with moving focal plane array

A system and method in the field of free space optical communications (FSOC) for overcoming atmospheric-induced spatial optical signal variations operates within each of two FSOC terminals that make up a bi-directional FSOC link, with each terminal providing the rapid adaptive beam path method over a much wider field of view than typically used for adaptive optical techniques. Each terminal uses a real-time adaptive beam-steering technique that continuously measures optical power and optical power gradients by the receiver optical detectors; this data is sent to a control system that automatically responds by re-aligning the optical system accordingly by maximizing the optical signal power measured by the optical power receiving detector.

Beam path adaptation system and method for free space optical communications systems

An acquisition, pointing and tracking system for free space optical communications systems performs the pointing and tracking function internally by way of translating an internal optical fiber in the focal plane of the transceiver telescope with a reflecting mirror in the telescope focal plane of each linked transceiver. The beam reflected from the mirror records the exact direction of the reflected beam at the transmitting beam's transceiver terminal, providing the transmitting source to lock on to the receiving telescope, allowing for the link to be acquired.

Rapid acquisition, pointing and tracking optical system for free space optical communications

A targeting and tracking apparatus and method for optical transceivers is disclosed. The tracking function is performed internally by way of translating an internal optical fiber in the focal plane of the transceiver telescope using miniature motorized translation systems and/or micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The optical design of the transceiver provides a wide field of view and a pointing and tracking field of regard that is directly proportional to the translation of the optical fiber in the focal plane of the telescope. The apparatus and method can eliminate the need for external gimballing systems and scanning mirrors, and replace the gimballed optical beam steering function with motorized translation systems and/or MEMS that consumes very little power.

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Fayetteville, AR, United States of America

Terry L Tidwell