Abstract: An Improved Signal Receiver Having Wide Band Amplification Capability is disclosed. Also disclosed is a receiver that is able to receive and reliably amplify infrared and/or other wireless signals having frequency bandwidths in excess of 40 MHz. The receiver of the present invention reduces the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal to ?th of the prior systems. The preferred receiver eliminates both the shunting resistor and the feedback resistor on the input end by amplifing the signal in current form. Furthermore, the receiver includes transconductance amplification means for amplifying the current signal without the need for Cascode stages. Finally, the receiver includes staged amplification to amplify the current signal in stages prior to converting the signal into a voltage output.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of connecting a subscriber unit (12) to a fiberoptic communication network (14) via a fiberoptic interface device (30) adapted to function as an interface device (30) in a coarse wavelength division multiplex (CWDM) system. The interface device (30) comprises an electric circuit arrangement (32) and a first (34) and a second (36) receiving section adapted to receive transceiver modules (24, 70). According to the method, an opto-electric transceiver module (24) is arranged in said first receiving section (34) and connected to said fiberoptic communication network (14). A first electric transceiver module (70) is provided and arranged in said second receiving section (36). The interface device (30) is connected, via said electric transceiver module (70), to said subscriber unit (12) via electrical conduction paths (82, 86). The invention also concerns a method of testing the function of said interface device (30).

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.

Abstract: An optical transceiver is equipped with at least one coupling lens which condenses reception signal light from an optical medium and condenses transmission signal light to the optical medium, an optical plate which passes the reception signal light and reflects the transmission signal light, a light receiving element which receives the reception signal light passed through the optical plate, and a light emitting element which transmits the transmission signal light so as to be reflected by the optical plate, wherein an emission port of the transmission signal light of the light emitting element is arranged at a position to enable the transmission signal light from the light emitting element to form an image in the optical medium via the optical plate and the coupling lens, and wherein the emission port of the transmission signal light of the light emitting element is arranged in a direction that makes the incident angle formed on the optical plate by the beam center line of the transmission signal light trans

Abstract: An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

Abstract: An Improved Circuit Design and Optics System for Infrared Signal Transceivers is disclosed. The preferred system includes an IR transceiver assembly that is easily grasped by assemblers. Furthermore, the primary and secondary lenses associated with the transceiver system are easier to manufacture than current lens designs. Also, the heretofore critical lens separation between the infrared emitting and infrared detection devices and the primary lens is rendered a flexible dimension, dependent only upon the particular appliance in which the system is installed. The present invention permits the stand for infrared emitting and infrared detection devices to be eliminated as a result of exchanging a non-imaging transceiver system with the current imaging transceiver system. The present invention further comprises assembling or otherwise combining infrared emitting and infrared detection devices into a single infrared emitting/infrared detection device stack.

Abstract: An optical transceiver having a transmitter section and a receiver section formed on a substrate to be close to each other is provided, which suppresses the electrical and optical crosstalk between the transmitter section and the receiver section. The transceiver comprises: (a) a substrate; (b) a transmitter section formed on the substrate and including a light-emitting element; (c) a receiver section formed on the substrate to be close to the transmitter section and including a light-receiving element; (d) a conductive first connection member fixed near the substrate; and (e) a transparent second connection member fixed near the first member in such a way as to block the first opening and the second opening of the first member from a front of the first member. The first member has a first opening that allows a first light beam to penetrate the first member and a second opening that allows a second light beam to penetrate the first member.

Abstract: A method of eliminating the non-linearities associated with the remote feedback sensor, such as a quad position detector, used in a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) mirror assembly. The incoming beam transmitted from a remote optical wireless link is first polarized, and then a single detector is employed to detect the polarization for the receiver. The single detector eliminates the non-linearity associated with a quad position detector, since the space between the quad detectors is eliminated.

Abstract: A MEMS-based optical, wireless communication system (10) that is comprised of a receiving and transmitting optical unit (12) that is further comprised of a transmitting subsystem (14) and a receiving subsystem (60), both of which are controlled by a microcontroller (16) and firmware (96). The system (10) is designed to allow a first unit (12) to transmit through free space a modulated laser beam (39) that is received by a second unit (12) located within line-of-sight of the first unit (12). Conversely, the second unit (12) can likewise transmit a modulated laser beam (39) that is received by the first unit (12) or other line-of-sight units (12). The system (10) features a MEMS mirror assembly (34) that operates in combination with a quad sensor (100). The combination allows fast, precise tracking and compensates for atmospheric disturbances associated with optical communication namely, building sway, wind and scintillations caused by changes in the refraction index of the atmosphere.

Abstract: An optical transmitter-receiver is provided which is suitable for a high-speed optical communication system. A high-frequency electric line on a mounting substrate becomes a traveling-wave electrode of a semiconductor optical element equivalently by the following steps: separately manufacturing the mounting substrate having the high-frequency electric line, and the semiconductor optical element for which high-frequency design has been applied beforehand; and then bonding and mounting of drive electrodes of the mounting substrate and the semiconductor optical element through a soldering material. In addition, it is also possible to have a configuration in which not only junction down mounting of high-frequency semiconductor optical elements, but also that of an electronic element for electrically driving and controlling a light source such as a semiconductor laser and for electrically driving and controlling a high-frequency semiconductor optical element, is performed on the mounting substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides a dynamic interconnection system which allows to couple a pair of optical beams carrying modulation information. In accordance with this invention, two optical beams emanate from transceivers at two different locations. Each beam may not see the other beam point of origin (non-line-of-sight link), but both beams can see a third platform that contains the system of the present invention. Each beam incident on the interconnection system is directed into the reverse direction of the other, so that each transceiver will detect the beam which emanated from the other transceiver. The system dynamically compensates for propagation distortions preferably using closed-loop optical devices, while preserving the information encoded on each beam.

Abstract: A hybrid wireless optical and radio frequency (RF) communication link utilizes parallel free-space optical and RF paths for transmitting data and control and status information. The optical link provides the primary path for the data, and the RF link provides a concurrent or backup path for the network data, as well as a reliable and primary path for the control and status information. When atmospheric conditions degrade the optical link to the point at which optical data transmission fails, the hybrid communication link switches to the RF link to maintain availability of data communications. The switch may occur automatically, based on an assessment of the quality of the optical signal communicated through the optical path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for free-space optical communication. The apparatus includes a first board with a plurality of optoelectronic converter components mounted on the first board. The apparatus additionally includes at least one optics element optically aligned with at least one of the optoelectronic converter components, where the optics element is configured to pass light directly between free-space and the plurality of optoelectronic converter components, and electronics coupled to at least one of the plurality of optoelectronic converter component. In one embodiment, communication is achieved by providing electric signals to a plurality of lasers that are mounted on a first board, generating a plurality of optical signals with the plurality of lasers and directing the plurality of optical signals into free-space with a plurality of optics elements.

Abstract: A satellite constellation has a plurality of satellites. Each of the satellites has an RF ground link for communicating with a ground station and an optical link for communication with at least one of the plurality of satellites. Each of the satellites has a reconfigurable optical transmitter for sending and receiving data streams. Each reconfigurable optical transmitter has a first optical carrier associated therewith and a reconfigurable optical receiver. The plurality of satellites is arranged to have a first subset of satellites. The first subset of satellites is configured to communicate. The plurality of satellites is reconfigured to have a second subset of satellites having at least one different satellites than that of said first subset. The second subset supercedes the first subset. The second subset of satellites is configured to communicate. Various subset around the globe may form local area networks. The local area networks are preferably optically coupled to form a wide area network.

Abstract: An optical wireless local area network according to the present invention is an optical wireless local area network for interconnecting a plurality of terminals having a line-of-sight optical communication function. In the optical wireless local area network, a base station including an angle diversity light reception function and a plurality of optical transmitters each having directionality is provided. The intensity of each of the plurality of optical transmitters can be separately modulated.

Abstract: A filtering technique for a free space communication that features encoding and decoding of signals employing a filtering apparatus that includes a bulk holographic transform function. Employing the encoding and decoding technique facilitates providing a great number of channels of communication in a unit volume while preventing unwanted cross-talk between the communication channels. In addition, secure communication links between transmitters and receivers may be provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an electro-optical connector module comprising a connection part, at least one optical transmitter circuit and/or optical receiver circuit and at least one electro-optical converter for respectively converting electrical signals into optical signals or vice versa. The module further comprises at least two substantially flat and substantially parallel electrically insulating sheets on which the transmitter circuit and/or receiver circuit and the converter are mounted. It is preferred that the connector module according, comprises at least one optical transmitter circuit, at least one optical receiver circuit and at least two electro-optical converters for respectively converting electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, wherein the optical transmitter circuit and a first converter are mounted on a first sheet and the optical receiver circuit and a second converter are mounted on a second sheet.

Abstract: Infrared communications scheme for use in an embedded system. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises the use of an infrared communications scheme, according to IrDA protocol, which is utilized to transmit and receive data optically between circuit cards housed within an enclosed, embedded system. Preferably, each respective circuit card is provided with an LED and photodiode to respectively transmit and receive data optically. As such, wire connections are eliminated and allows the systems and methods of the present invention to withstand a greater degree of vibration and shock than that of the prior-art systems and methods. Moreover, the systems and methods of the present invention provide increased reliability and provide greater electrical isolation between modules than prior-art systems and methods.

Abstract: An optoelectronic transceiver including an optoelectronic transmitting unit disposed along an optical axis and having a radiation-emitting layer region and an active radiation-sensitive layer region. The optoelectronic transceiver further including an optoelectronic receiving unit disposed along the optical axis and is disposed in bridge-like fashion above the optoelectronic transmitting unit. The optoelectronic receiving unit having an active radiation-sensitive layer region disposed perpendicular to the optical axis and located in a thin membrane, which is disposed immediately in front of the radiation-emitting layer region of the optoelectronic transmitting unit, and a radiation-emitting layer region.

Abstract: A free-space optical communication apparatus includes a storage unit which stores angle-setting information for the mirror for communicating with each of the plurality of other apparatuses, a mirror driving unit which drives the mirror to an angle corresponding to the stored angle-setting information, an optical detecting unit which, on one occasion for communicating with a specified communication apparatus among the plurality of other apparatuses, detects the incident state of an optical beam sent from the specified apparatus, and a control unit which, based on the detected incident state of the optical beam, determines angle-correcting information for correcting the stored angle-setting information for the specified apparatus, and which, on the next occasion for communicating with the specified apparatus, uses the mirror driving unit to drive the mirror to an angle corresponding to the angle-setting information corrected by the angle-correcting information.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and various embodiments of methods to communicate between a first circuit board and a second circuit board using one or more open air communication channels are provided. A plurality of light transmitters and light receivers are attached to a first circuit board; and a corresponding plurality of light receivers and light transmitters are attached to a second circuit board. The light receivers on both circuit boards are disposed to receive data transmitted by the corresponding light transmitters on each circuit board. In one embodiment, where the light transmitters are laser diodes, different colors may be used to increase adjacent signal rejection. In another embodiment, the light transmitters may be laser, radio, microwave, digital, ultraviolet, or infrared light transmitters. The light transmitters may transmit data across open spaces between circuit boards, including through apertures in boards placed between the light transmitter and light receiver.

Abstract: A portable transceiver of one or more signals includes an input, frequency modulation, a splitter and a plurality of lasers in a transmitter module. A receiver module includes a Mangin mirror aligned with an input aperture. A photodiode receives the signal from the mirror for subsequent demodulation. An interference filter is arranged between the mirror and the photodiode. The filter is hemispherical, having a center of curvature at the focal point of the mirror. The transceiver may include a video camera and gyro-stabilizer accessories. A visual siting scope is aligned with the lasers and the receiver. A separate transceiver for ethernet input signals interfaces with a 10/100 ethernet switch and does not employ frequency modulation.

Abstract: A large fiber optic switch system with a free-space optical interconnection configuration. The switch system comprises a plurality of individual switch units, each individual switch unit having a plurality of electronic multi-switch switches each multi-switch switch being re-configurable upon command of a computer processor and having a plurality of electronic input ports and electronics output ports. A first portion of these input ports and a first portion of these output ports are connected directly or indirectly to incoming and outgoing communication lines. A second portion of the output ports is connected to an electronic driver unit that drives an optical emitter array. Each emitter in the emitter array produces a light beam for carrying an optical communication signal.

Abstract: A bimorphic polymeric photomechanical actuator, in one embodiment using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a photosensitive body, transmitting light over fiber optic cables, and controlling the shape and pulse duration of the light pulse to control movement of the actuator. Multiple light beams are utilized to generate different ranges of motion for the actuator from a single photomechanical body and alternative designs use multiple light beams and multiple photomechanical bodies to provide controlled movement. Actuator movement using one or more ranges of motion is utilized to control motion to position an actuating element in three dimensional space.

Abstract: Internal communication signals in a stored program controlled system comprising a plurality of units configured to process signals are provided by a free space optical beam line which is proximal to all of the plurality of units. The free space beam line is configured to contain optically encoded signals which comprises signals transmitted between and/or among the plurality of units. Each unit includes a probe for injecting optically encoded signals in the free space beam line and/or and for receiving optically encoded signals from the free space beam line. Advantageously, there may be a first terminal at a first end of the beam line to configure to transmit and terminate the optically encoded signals and a second terminal unit at the second end of the free space beam line configured to transmit and terminate the optically encoded signals.

Abstract: An optical transceiver includes an opaque element having a concave reflective surface arranged in a path of each of an outgoing and an incoming light signal, the reflective surface configured to redirect the paths of the respective light signals. An optical detector is arranged facing the reflective surface. The optical detector is configured to detect a redirected incoming light signal from the reflective surface and to generate therefrom a receive signal proportional to the incoming light signal. An emitter is arranged facing the reflective surface. The emitter is configured to generate the outgoing light signal proportional to a transmit signal. A lens assembly is arranged between the reflective surface of the opaque element and both the optical detector and the emitter. The lens assembly is configured to couple the redirected incoming light signal to the optical detector and to couple the outgoing light signal to the reflective surface.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a planar or curved reflective surface, or receive an output optical signal from the planar or curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle in the prism. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers include a reflective surface that is rotatable with respect to the DOE, or with respect to a selected communication direction and the DOE for selection of a transmission or reception direction. The optical supports of such optical transceivers can be mounted to a window, and include a reflective region configured to total internally reflect optical signals. Selection of a communication direction is based on a rotation of the rotatable reflective surface.

Abstract: A highly sensitive and inexpensive spatial optical transmission system using an LD (Laser Diode) as a light source and making use of the characteristics of a light receiving element is provided. The system includes a laser chip oscillating a laser beam, and a light receiving element receiving and converting to an electric signal the laser beam emitted from the laser chip and propagated through a space. The laser chip oscillates a laser beam having a wavelength of which absorption coefficient at the light receiving element is in a range of 0.001 to 0.3 ?m?1.

Abstract: A synthesized digital filter and method for synthesizing the digital filter are described herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the digital filter is made using analog RF components. In another embodiment of the present invention, the digital filter is made using optical components which enables an optical signal to be manipulated in an optical domain without needing to convert the optical signal into an electrical domain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the transmission of auxiliary data via a modulated carrier signal superimposed on a primary data communication signal between terminals of a free-space optical communication system are disclosed. The carrier signal is modulated with an auxiliary data signal via phase-shift keying, amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, or other suitable modulation technique, and superimposed on the primary data communication signal prior to transmission as an optical signal by a transmitting free-space optical terminal. The primary data communication signal is received by at least one photo detector coupled to a receiving free-space optical terminal that demodulates the primary data communication signal to reconstruct the auxiliary data.

Abstract: Erbium doped fiber amplifiers (ERDAs) optically couple optical signals between free-space and fiber optic links of a terrestrial optical communication network. The optical gain of transmitting and receiving ERDAs is controlled to achieve good optical signal communication. Control occurs in response to signals received at the transmitting and receiving ends of the links. Control, status and management information may be communicated optically between link head stations. The physical position of transceivers at opposite ends of the link optical signal paths is also controlled.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for controlling optical signal wavelength spacing by providing for simultaneous upconversion of a plurality of electrical signal on subcarrier frequencies of an optical carrier frequency with or without modulation of an electrical data signal onto the optical carrier frequency. The optical carrier lightwave is split into a plurality of split lightwaves upon which one or more electrical frequencies carrying information can be upconverted onto optical subcarriers of the lightwave carrier frequency. The relative spacings of the optical subcarrier lightwaves will thus be unaffected by variation in the carrier frequency. The optical subcarrier lightwaves can then be recombined to form the optical data signal carrying the plurality of information carried by the electrical frequencies.

Abstract: Lightwaves (1), which carry data signals and beacon light, are used for establishing a connection between a receiver and a transmitter located remote from each other. An acquisition sensor (171) is provided for acquiring the lightwaves (1) in the receiver, which generates acquisition sensor signals (Sc) from the received lightwaves. The lightwaves (1), which are conducted over a telescope (2) and a beam splitter (R4), are fed to the acquisition sensor (171) as well as to a fiber nutator scanning device (5). Besides useful signals (Sa, Sb), an additional signal (Sw, Sm?, Sm) is obtained with the aid of the scanning device (5), which is used for making the acquisition easier.

Abstract: A wireless atmospheric site-to-site full-duplex (i.e., simultaneous transmit and receive) laser communication system, typically for wideband (high-speed) data, voice, and/or video transmission. The system includes at least one laser communication transceiver each having an electro-optical transmitter that includes a laser source for generating laser light to be transmitted site-to-site and at high speed, an electro-optical receiver that includes a baffle assembly for receiving light directly onto a detector, without an intermediate field stop and re-imaging relay optics to reject off-axis light sources. Wideband data are transmitted and received through the atmosphere by the electro-optical transmitter and the electro-optical receiver. The data to be transmitted through each laser communication transceiver is inputted through a fiber-optic receiver and outputted by a fiber-optic transmitter.

Abstract: An optical transmission device configured as a central node, wherein each central node has dedicated pixels for receiving data and transmitting optical data so destination addressing is not required. The network is configured such that transmission on any particular receiver reserved pixels results in data being sent to a predetermined node. In particular, the star topology is configured as a receiver reserved scheme. The device is formed by constructing central node of transmitters and receivers that are attached to a silicon substrate with a processing means, and the optical interface to the transmitters and detectors on the central node establish a one-to-one correspondence with an individual fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cables are reconfigurable to different topologies or interconnections as each fiber optic cable has a known destination on the central node. Various topologies are possible using a star node as the building block.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical printed circuit board assembly with multi-channel block-type optical devices packaged therein, the printed circuit board assembly including a plate type heat spreader, a driving printed circuit board die bonded to a top of the heat spreader to convert electrical and optical signals to optical and electrical signals, respectively, a driving integrated circuit, die bonded to the top of the heat spreader and wire bonded to the driving printed circuit board.

Abstract: An optical switching and/or routing system including a first opto-electronic assembly, a router assembly, a second opto-electronic assembly and redirecting means interposed between the router assembly and the second opto-electronic assembly. Each opto-electronic assembly includes at least one module, each module having a detector, an amplifier and a laser. During operation, the optical switching and routing system of this invention receives the input optical beams at the first opto-electronic assembly and emits a second group of optical beams from the first opto-electronic assembly. The second group of optical beams is received at the router assembly and each beam from the second group of optical beams is routed to a pre-selected location. From the pre-selected locations to which they have been routed, the second group of optical beams is redirected to the second opto-electronic assembly. The second opto-electronic assembly receives the second group of optical beams and emits the output beams.

Abstract: The device enables bi-directional optical communication between a master module and slave modules by means of an optical rod (1) made of transparent material. The master module is axially coupled to the rod. The modules are arranged laterally along a useful part of the rod bounded by a lateral reflector located opposite the slave modules. The lateral reflector can be formed by a plurality of adjacent notches (12) formed at the surface of the rod and constituting a continuous reflecting zone in the form of serrated teeth, and/or by a narrow reflecting strip (17). The slave modules can be positioned anywhere along the useful part of the rod and their lateral location is not critical, a lateral coupling zone extending over at least 1 cm outside the rod. Such a device can be advantageously used in an electrical panel.

Abstract: Optical signals are received from a free-space link by directing received light onto a plurality of microlenses and then directing light received through each of the microlenses into a respective single mode optical fiber (SMF). Light beams from the SMFs are combined into a single light beam in one SMF. The single light beam is amplified with a multi-wavelength fiber amplifier and attenuated with a variable optical attenuator. The power gain of the multi-wavelength fiber amplifier and the attenuation of the variable optical attenuator are controlled. The single light beam is directed into a fiber optic communication system that is optically coupled to the variable optical attenuator.

Abstract: An optically based location system and method of determining a location at a structure include a lighting infrastructure having lights at a structure. Each light is configured to illuminate and to transmit a respective relative or absolute terrestrial position through modulation of emitted light. An optical receiver is configured to detect the lights, to demodulate the position of detected lights, and to determine from the detection a position of the receiver. The receiver can have a conventional optical detector for determining a two-dimensional position of the receiver relative to a detected light, or can have a three-dimensional spot collimating lens and charged couple device optical detector for determining a three-dimensional position of the receiver relative to a detected light. The receiver and lights can be synchronized for converting a delay time into a distance measurement to calculate a distance between a light and the receiver.

Abstract: The inventions invention relates to a generic re-configurable WDM optical cross connection device which may be viewed as an optical network element comprising transport interfaces optionally along with tributary interfaces. An switch system includes a plurality of switch modules each essentially including a pair of R-channel input collimators on one side and a pair of R-channel output collimators on the other side with a switching prism moveably positioned therebetween in an existence/active or non-existence/inactive manner. A pair of input fibers are respectively connected to the two input collimators and an pair of output fibers are respectively connected t the two output collimators. A plurality of jumper fibers cascading said switch modules together.

Abstract: A filtering technique for free space communication that features an improved extinction ratio by providing a filter that employs a bulk holographic transform function and a polarizing film. In this manner, a greater number of channels of communication may be provided in a unit volume while preventing unwanted cross-talk between the communication channels. To that end, the system includes a source of energy to direct energy along a path, a detector disposed in the path, and a filter. The filter has a surface upon which a polarizing film is disposed and a holographic transform function recorded throughout a volume thereon.

Abstract: An open-path/free-space optical communication system using reflected light has modulated optical or laser sources and provides communication between the modulated source and a detector in an obstructed line-of-sight relationship. The system detects backscattered light impinging on a target illuminated by the source of light. Barrier objects positioned in a line-of-sight path between the source and detector are circumvented and a first device that provides the modulation signal for the source controls a remote second device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for aligning relative orientation of an optical transmitter and an optical receiver that are mounted to a common fixture in an optical transceiver.

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: 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 microlens assembly is automatically aligned (positioned) to facilitate optimal light beam transmission between two spaced-apart subsystems (e.g., two printed circuit boards) supported within a larger system (e.g., a server system). The microlens assembly is controlled by the first subsystem, which also includes a light source (e.g., an emitter array) that generates the light beams by converting data signals. The second subsystem is provided with a receiver capable of receiving the light beams from the light source. The microlens assembly manipulates the microlens according to a raster light beams over a wide area surrounding the second subsystem. The optimal position of the microlens is determined by measuring a strength of each light signal, and by identifying an optimal strength light signal. The microlens assembly is then locked into the position associated with the optimal light signal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a laser communication system for transmitting intelligence by means of partially coherent optical energy. The system provides improved transmission of intelligence from a transmitter site through non-confined free space and receiving said intelligence at a receiver site remote from and physically separate from said transmitter by non-confined free space. The system has a optical source at the transmitter site for producing a beam of spatially-coherent monochromatic, aperture limited electromagnetic optical energy as well as a modulator for modulating said beam with intelligence-bearing information to develop wavefronts of mutually-aligned orientation which beam is thereafter modified to partial coherence and a receiver site for both detecting said information in said partially coherent beam and deriving said demodulated information. The partially coherent beam has an a of preferably from 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: This invention describes an optical communications system for optically networking computers and other devices together in a multi-user environment in a cost effective manner. This is accomplished through the use of low power (eye safe intensity) lasers, light emitting diodes, or photo diodes, to connect users in a time shared fashion through an optical multiplexing system (the optical access point) which can direct and manage the networking connection to each user device (user optical transceiver) independently. Both the optical access point and the user optical transceiver are capable of dynamically adjusting a beam to locate and align with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a mode-scrambled optical signal using a VCSEL array. An array of vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are employed to generate respective of optical signals comprising modulated laser beams that are optically coupled into an input end of a multimode fiber segment. In one embodiment, the optical signals are offset-launched into the multimode fiber. As the respective optical signals pass through the segment of multimode fiber, they are combined to produce a mode-scrambled optical signal having a substantially-filled numerical aperture that is emitted from the output end of the fiber. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus enables multiple optical beams having similar wavelengths to be combined to increase optical signal strength. In accordance with another aspect, one portion of the VCSELs may be initially activated, while another portion is used as spares that may be selectively activated to replace any activated VCSELs that fail.