Abstract: Disclosed is a transmitter that modulates a single-wavelength laser signal with multi-level amplitude modulation on each of two polarizations, with an additional multi-level inter-polarization phase modulation. In an experimental setup, four-level amplitude modulation is used on each of the two polarizations, and four-phase inter-polarization phase modulation is used. Other numbers of levels may be used, in variations of the disclosed techniques and apparatus. Also disclosed is a corresponding receiver, which includes a DSP algorithm that recovers, simultaneously, the information on the multiple intensities imprinted by the transmitter on each polarization and the information from the multi-level inter-polarization phase modulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmitter that modulates a single-wavelength laser signal with multi-level amplitude modulation on each of two polarizations, with an additional multi-level inter-polarization phase modulation. In an experimental setup, four-level amplitude modulation is used on each of the two polarizations, and four-phase inter-polarization phase modulation is used. Other numbers of levels may be used, in variations of the disclosed techniques and apparatus. Also disclosed is a corresponding receiver, which includes a DSP algorithm that recovers, simultaneously, the information on the multiple intensities imprinted by the transmitter on each polarization and the information from the multi-level inter-polarization phase modulation.

Abstract: An assembly of units comprised of mirrors assembled along at least one parabolic arc, each mirror having two opposing lateral edges and opposing longitudinal internal and external edges, each of the two mirrors being longitudinally secured to the other mirror along their respective longitudinal internal edges by at least one securing device positioned at the centre of the parabolic arc; and secured at each lateral edge to the wheel supports.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprising at least one rigid parabolic self-supporting solar collector comprising at least one parabolic reflector and at least one heat collector rigidly supported above a reflective surface of the parabolic reflector; and a positioning unit configured for positioning the solar collector into an operation position for reception of solar beams by the parabolic reflector, and into a rest position in which the reflective surface of said parabolic reflector and the heat collector are at least partly under cover of a back surface of the parabolic reflector.