Multi-point free space optical communication system

Abstract

A system includes an optical transceiver configured to transmit/receive at least one optical feed and a beam separator configured to separate the optical feed into a plurality of optical beams, and spatially combine the optical beams into the optical beam. The system also includes a dichroic mirror optically coupled to the beam separator and configured to reflect the optical beams, and allow beacon signals to pass therethrough. A position sensitive detector of the system optically couples to the dichroic mirror and is configured to sense an incidence position of each beacon signal allowed to pass through the dichroic mirror, and output a position error for each optical beam based on the sensed incidence positions. The system also includes a multi-axis optical steering system configured to direct each optical beam based on the corresponding position error outputted from the position sensitive detector and a corresponding transmit/receive target.