Abstract: An optical grating includes a sequence of grating lines, the sequence being such that each grating line is centered on a position which is an integer multiple of a line spacing distance from a datum position on the grating, the sequence of grating lines is non-periodic and the sequence of the grating lines is formed from N concatenated sub-sequences. Each sub-sequence includes a series of one or more instances of a respective grating line pattern. Such an optical grating has a structure that is more amenable to calculation of the grating lines necessary to achieve a desired characteristic. A method of calculating and fabricating such a grating is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical communication system for free space communication includes an optical source including a modulator to modulate the optical output to provide an optical signal. The optical source is connected to an optical fiber to pass the signal therealong. The optical fiber includes an antenna having an optical fiber transmit portion with a core, and a cladding, the cladding including at least one substantially flat surface extending along its length and arranged to couple light out of the optical fiber through the substantially flat surface(s). A scattering structure scatters into free space light thus coupled out of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical grating includes a sequence of grating lines, the sequence being such that each grating line is centered on a position which is an integer multiple of a line spacing distance from a datum position on the grating, the sequence of grating lines is non-periodic and the sequence of grating lines is formed from N concatenated subsequences. Each subsequence includes a series of one or more instances of a respective grating line pattern. Such an optical grating has a structure that is more amenable to calculation of the grating lines necessary to achieve a desired characteristic. A method of calculating and fabricating such a grating is also disclosed.