Abstract: A wireless communication system for minimizing interference from physical limitations and the environment that includes at least a pair of optical links wherein each link includes a steered-beam transmitter assembly (10) and a steered-beam receiver assembly (50). The steered-beam transmitter assembly (10) couples a data signal to be transmitted and a first control signal. The steered-beam transmitter assembly (10) includes a first micromirror assembly (22) for directing the transmitted data signal. The steered-beam receiver assembly (50) couples to receive the data signal having the first control signal coupled thereto to generate a second and a third control signal. The steered-beam receiver assembly (50) includes a second micromirror assembly (62) for directing the received data signal. The second and third control signals position the first and second micromirror assembly (22, 62), respectively, such that the data signal is centered in the field of view of the steered-beam receiver assembly (50).

Abstract: A wireless communication system for minimizing interference from physical limitations and the environment that includes at least a pair of optical links wherein each link includes a steered-beam transmitter assembly (T1) and a steered-beam receiver assembly (R2). The steered-beam transmitter assembly (T1) couples a data signal to be transmitted and a first control signal at a first wavelength. The steered-beam transmitter assembly (T1) includes a first micromirror assembly (26) for directing the transmitted data signal. The steered-beam receiver assembly (R2) couples to receive the data signal having the first control signal coupled thereto and simultaneously generates and transmits a second control signal at a second wavelength. The steered-beam receiver assembly (R2) includes a second micromirror assembly (26′) for directing the second control signal.

Abstract: An optical fiber junction device for coupling a pair of optical fibers with a third optical fiber. A portion of the cladding is etched from the end portions of the pair of fibers, and those end portions are then secured together in side-by-side relationship so that their endfaces are coplanar. The third fiber is so disposed that the end portion thereof is substantially parallel to the end portions of the pair of fibers, and its endface is adjacent to the endfaces of the pair of fibers. Means is provided for causing lateral movement between the endfaces of the pair of fibers and that of the third fiber to vary the amount of light coupled between the pair of fibers and the third fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber junction device for permanently coupling a pair of optical fibers with a third optical fiber. The end portions of the pair of fibers are fused together in side-by-side relationship so that their endfaces are coplanar, the cross-sectional area of this structure decreasing toward the endfaces of the pair of fibers. The endface of the third fiber is fused to the endfaces of the pair of fibers.

Abstract: A source of optical wave energy for an optical communication system. One end of an optical waveguide fiber bundle is disposed in light-receiving relationship with respect to light from a Lambertian-type light source such as a light emitting diode. A spherical bead of transparent material disposed between the diode and the fiber bundle endface provides a rugged and inexpensive optical device that tends to collimate the light emitted from the diode.