Abstract: A method simultaneously aligns the two sets of optical wireless link transceiver mirrors such that light traverses a path from the transmitting laser off an outbound mirror, through free space, off the inbound mirror of the remote station, and finally onto the receiving element in the remote station.

Abstract: A free-space optical data transmission system, comprised of first and second transceivers spaced a substantial distance from each other having telescopes aimed at each other. Each transceiver has a light transmitter for transmitting data-encoded light from its telescope to the other telescope, and a light receiver for receiving the data-encoded light from the other telescope. Each transceiver has a wavefront sensor for determining the curvature of the wavefront of light transmitted between the telescopes, which light wavefront may be distorted by atmospheric aberrations, a deformable curvature mirror operably connected to the wavefront sensor and positioned in the path of the data-encoded light for modifying the wavefront curvature of the data-encoded light in response to the wavefront curvature determined by the wavefront sensor. Preferably, each transceiver has an arrangement for distinguishing/separating the transmitted and received light waves for bi-directional data transmission.

Abstract: A tracking system and method in an optical communications system utilizing an optical communications beam. In one embodiment, the disclosed optical communications system includes a communications receiver circuit and a tracking circuit. The optical communications system generates a communications signal. The tracking system includes a tracking detector having a plurality of regions coupled to a corresponding plurality of tracking channel circuits. Each of the tracking channel circuits includes an optical detector coupled to receive the optical communications beam. The peak-to-peak amplitude modulation in the optical communications beam is measured by substantially reducing or removing a direct current (DC) offset present in the optical communications beam. In one embodiment, after the DC offset is substantially reduced or removed, the signal is then amplified, mixed with the communications signal and then filtered.

Abstract: An optical communication terminal transmits data via an optical signal with a transmit mirror positioned to direct the optical signal. The optical communication terminal includes a processor configured to develop a control signal for a mirror controller to establish an optimal position of the transmit mirror. The optical communication terminal further includes a modulator coupled to the processor that modulates the optical signal in accordance with a position of the transmit mirror during transmission of the optical signal. The optimal position of the transmit mirror may be established by a scanning routine that adjusts the position of the transmit mirror to a plurality of predetermined offset positions during transmission of the optical signal. The intensity of the optical signal as received by a further optical communication terminal is then determined and provided via modulation of a further optical signal transmitted back to the first-named optical communication terminal.

Abstract: This invention relates to optoelectronic transceivers used in optical communication systems, and in specific to an optical transceiver configured for transmission and reception of optical signals or rays within an asymmetrically shaped optical profile. The invention provides a transceiver for communicating optical rays through relatively-positioned, shaped lenses while preventing the saturation of a photodetector by an adjacent LED, thereby avoiding any idling of the communication system, minimizing the transceiver's size, and isolating the optical profiles for optimum transmission and reception of optical rays. The transceiver may operate in a half duplex mode, while being capable of operating without additional modifications in a full duplex mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an end effector and associated position controller. The apparatus comprises a plurality of bimorph members, generally elongated in shape, that are coupled end-to-end. In one embodiment, each bimorph member includes a pair of elongated piezoelectric bimorph elements that cause a localized deformation in the bimorph member when driven with an input voltage. Accordingly, each bimorph member can be caused to bend in opposite directions, as well as twist, depending on its drive voltages. In one configuration, four bimorph members are connected end-to-end, with the last bimorph member operatively coupled to the end effector, providing a five-degree of freedom positioner. A multi-channel position controller that provides a pair of correlative feedback loops for each channel is used to generate appropriate drive voltages based on a global feedback signal and a local feedback signal corresponding to a measured position of each channel's corresponding piezoelectric bimorph element.

Abstract: An optical port with directional control. The port includes a transmitter, receiver, and first actuator. The transmitter generates an outgoing light signal that propagates in a transmission direction in response to an outgoing electrical signal. The receiver receives an incoming light signal and generating an incoming electrical signal therefrom, the receiver having a reception direction aligned with the transmission direction. The first actuator alters the transmission direction of the outgoing light signal in response to a first control signal. In one embodiment, the first actuator determines the direction of the outgoing light signal in a first plane, and a second actuator controls the direction of the outgoing light signal by an amount determined by a second control signal. The second actuator controls the direction of the outgoing light signal in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A holographic element (HOE) with multiple apertures formed in a single substrate for use an optical communication system. The multi-aperture HOE can be use instead of an optics unit having one or more separate optical elements for each aperture needed by an optical transmitter, receiver or transceiver. The single substrate reduces complexity and cost relative to conventional system that the use separate optical elements to implement the optics unit.

Abstract: An optical bidirectional transceiver module includes a module body having an opening, an inner hollow space and a fiber pin pushed through the opening into the inner hollow space. The fiber pin has a centric bored hole in which a light-conducting fiber is guided. A wavelength-selective filter or a beam splitter is located at a beveled end surface of the fiber pin. Radiation from an externally coupled light waveguide is emitted through the light-conducting fiber and reflected at the filter to a first optoelectronic component (transmitter). Received light radiation passes through the filter and impinges on a second optoelectronic component (receiver).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for free space optical communication. The apparatus and method provide a free-space optical communication. The apparatus can include a link head configured to provide optical communication, a microroom cover positioned about and encasing the link head and a flexure support. The flexure support is secured at a first end with the microroom cover and extends away from the microroom cover, and is further secured at a second end with a structure, wherein the flexure support is configured to flex from a first position when a force is applied to the microroom cover. The present invention optically aligns a first and second free-space optical communication apparatuses. When a force is received on the first communication apparatus a portion of the first apparatus tilts to maintain the optical alignment between the first and second communication apparatuses.

Abstract: A free-space optical data transmission system, comprised of first and second transceivers spaced a substantial distance from each other and having telescopes aimed at each other. Each transceiver has a light transmitter for transmitting data-encoded light from its telescope to the other telescope, and a light receiver for receiving the data-encoded light from the other telescope. Each transceiver has a wavefront sensor for determining the curvature of the wavefront of light transmitted between the telescopes, which light wavefront may be distorted by atmospheric aberrations, a deformable curvature mirror operably connected to the wavefront sensor and positioned in the path of the data-encoded light for modifying the wavefront curvature of the data-encoded light in response to the wavefront curvature determined by the wavefront sensor. Preferably, each transceiver has an arrangement for distinguishing/separating the transmitted and received light waves for bi-directional data transmission.

Abstract: An optical transceiver comprises a signal transmitter emitting an outgoing communication signal and transmit optics to transmit that includes a transmit telescope. The transceiver additionally comprises receive optics that includes a receive telescope to receive an incoming communication signal and a signal receiver. A dual-axis tilt mirror optically couples the signal transmitter to the transmit optics so that the outgoing communication signal is transmitted by the transmit telescope. The same dual-axis tilt mirror also optically couples the receive optics to the signal receiver so that the incoming communication signal is received by the signal receiver. Thusly configured, the angular orientation of the dual-axis tilt mirror simultaneously controls the reception and transmission orientations of the receive and transmit telescopes, respectively.

Abstract: A free-space optical (FSO) transceiver head and mounting assembly to enable the FSO transceiver head to be mounted to a window. The FSO transceiver head has a binocular configuration including respective sets of transmit and receive optics configured to facilitate transmission and reception of optical signals. The mounting assembly provides a pair of adjustable axes to enable the FSO transceiver head to be rotated and tilted relative to an axis that is normal to the window. The mounting assembly also provides adjustable feet for fine-pointing. Upon assembly, the entire apparatus has a depth of approximately 3½ inches, enabling it to be deployed in a standard-sized window frame behind a window blind. The apparatus may also be deployed in vehicle windows and out-building windows. A breakaway feature is also provided such that the apparatus will break free from a window rather than having the window break when a sufficient force is applied to the mounting assembly and/or transceiver head.

Abstract: Circuitry using infra-red (IR) diodes in remote control units. In one embodiment an IR LED is used both as a transmitter diode and also as a receiver diode responsive to light to thereby develop photocurrents and/or voltages for use by external circuitry. In a second embodiment an improved amplifier circuit is provided for an IR LED and IR photo detector diode which is mounted behind, and receives light through, the transmitter IR LED.

Abstract: A method for controlling an optical, path-to-sight link, the optical link including a source of light having a beam of light, a controllable beam steering device and an actuator to permit steering the light beam, the beam steering device being controllable by predetermined control signals. The method includes the following steps. The beam steering device is controlled so as to scan the beam of light in a first predetermined pattern. First direction is received data from a remote receiver including a light detector, the direction data corresponding to a direction of the beam at which the scanned beam of light is detected by the light detector. Responsive to the first direction data, a first beam direction is determined for data communication from the link to the receiver. The beam steering device is controlled to maintain a communications beam direction corresponding to the first beam direction. The beam of light is modulated with electronic signals.

Abstract: A tracking system and method in an optical communications system utilizing an optical communications beam. In one embodiment, the disclosed tracking system includes a tracking detector having a plurality of regions coupled to a corresponding plurality of tracking channel circuits. Each of the tracking channel circuits includes an optical detector coupled to receive the optical communications beam. The peak-to-peak amplitude modulation in the optical communications beam is measured by substantially reducing or removing a direct current (DC) offset present in the optical communications beam. In one embodiment, after the DC offset is substantially reduced or removed, the signal is then amplified and converted into an all positive signal, which is then filtered. The filtered signal is one of a plurality of tracking signal outputs, which are input to an alignment circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical space transmission apparatus which is applied for communication of information using a light beam which propagates in the space and can reduce the frequency of replacement of a light emitting element while the construction is simple. An information signal of an operation condition which relates to transmission of a communication light beam or reception of a reception light beam is communicated with another optical space transmission apparatus together with an information signal so that the transmission side apparatus can grasp a result of reception of the light beam by the reception side apparatus and send out the light beam with a suitable light amount.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller for controlling operation of an appliance, an indicator light coupled to the controller to provide a visible indication of an operator selection in response to the controller energizing the indicator light, and a driver coupled to the controller and the indicator light so that the controller may communicate data through the indicator light by controlling the driver. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode or a segment of an alphanumeric display of an appliance control panel. A detector LED may also be coupled to the controller so the controller may receive data from an external device that communicates by flashing light on the detector LED. A terminal for communicating with the appliance may include a detector LED and a conductor that couples the detector LED to a diagnostic tool. The detector LED may receive data from an optical transmitter of the appliance control panel.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical space transmission system is made up of a pair of optical transmission apparatus. Each optical transmission apparatus comprises a signal generating circuit for generating a pilot signal, a multiplexing section for multiplexing the pilot signal and a main signal to be transmitted, an electrooptic converter section for emitting an optical signal on the basis of the signal produced by the multiplexing process, a light receiving element for receiving an optical signal transmitted from the partner optical transmission apparatus and detecting a pilot signal contained therein, and a demodulation circuit for demodulating the pilot signal detected by the light receiving element. Pilot signals multiplexed with main signals to be transmitted through the bidirectional optical transmission system are subjected to spreading modulation and demodulated for spreading by the demodulation circuit.

Abstract: The invention solve the problems, such as imperfect connection and transmission error in the connector between the personal computer or other information appliance and the docking unit for its function expansion, and lowering of reliability in the contact portion of the connector by repeated insertion and pulling out, or lowering of reliability in the contact portion due to vibration, salt, or moisture. As the means of solving the problems, a serial signal of USB or IEEE1394 is converted into a signal for optical transmission, and it is transmitted, without making contact, between an emitter 52A and a receiver 52B disposed oppositely across a spatial gap. The transmission routes are prepared in two lines, and full duplex transmission is realized. Therefore, signals are connected and disconnected easily, and anytime, and a highly reliable transmission is realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for conveying digital signals inside a space vehicle between a transmitter and a receiver. In the invention, the link between the transmitter and the receiver comprises a first portion made of optical fiber and a second portion in which infrared radiation propagates without guidance. A particular application lies in conveying remote control and telemetry signals within a satellite between a control module and a piece of equipment.