Abstract: A system, method, and optical communication device are disclosed. The system can include a plurality of optically coupled nodes forming an optical communication network. Each node may include an array of pixel elements, each pixel element having an optical detector and an active optical source. The pixel array may be disposed in a backplane of a lens that is configured to map incoming optical signals to pixel locations in the backplane according to their respective angles of incidence and to minimize a deviation at each pixel location between incoming optical signals arriving at the optical detector and emissions from the optical source. The node may include a processor and memory. The processor can register senders in the optical network at locations in the pixel array and can generate routing information by which to route communications from the registered senders to other pixel elements for transmission to their respective destinations.

Abstract: A system, method, and communication device are disclosed. The system can include an optical interrogator and a phase-modulating communication device. The communication device can include a retro-optimized lens, a phase modulator, and a processor. The retro-optimized lens can be a non-imaging optical arrangement configured to minimize deviation between an incoming signal and a reflected signal used for return link communications. The processor can be configured to calibrate a modulation path length of the communication device based on a wavelength of the communication signal and can control an operation of the phase-modulator to send phase-coded messages to the interrogator. Optionally, the processor can perform a real-time phase calibration of the communication device using feedback from the interrogator.

Abstract: A system, method, and communication device are disclosed. The system can include an optical interrogator and a phase-modulating communication device. The communication device can include a retro-optimized lens, a phase modulator, and a processor. The retro-optimized lens can be a non-imaging optical arrangement configured to minimize deviation between an incoming signal and a reflected signal used for return link communications. The processor can be configured to calibrate a modulation path length of the communication device based on a wavelength of the communication signal and can control an operation of the phase-modulator to send phase-coded messages to the interrogator. Optionally, the processor can perform a real-time phase calibration of the communication device using feedback from the interrogator.

Abstract: A system, method, and optical communication device are disclosed. The system can include a plurality of optically coupled nodes forming an optical communication network. Each node may include an array of pixel elements, each pixel element having an optical detector and an active optical source. The pixel array may be disposed in a backplane of a lens that is configured to map incoming optical signals to pixel locations in the backplane according to their respective angles of incidence and to minimize a deviation at each pixel location between incoming optical signals arriving at the optical detector and emissions from the optical source. The node may include a processor and memory. The processor can register senders in the optical network at locations in the pixel array and can generate routing information by which to route communications from the registered senders to other pixel elements for transmission to their respective destinations.