Acquisition and tracking apparatus for free space optical communications
US10039103B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B10/1123
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method includes receiving a first optical signal at a first communication terminal from a second communication terminal through a free space optical link. The received optical signal contains a modulated unique frequency tone. The method also includes mixing the modulated unique frequency tone with a reference signal to provide a mixed output signal and determining a signal strength of the modulated unique frequency tone based on the mixed output signal. The reference signal includes a same frequency as the modulated unique frequency tone. The method adjusts an optical head of the first communication terminal to establish acquisition and optical beam pointing with the second communication terminal based on the signal strength of the modulated unique frequency tone received from the second communication terminal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.