Optical tracking system
US11424827B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/0966
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical detector system provides output to an optical tracking system to facilitate optical communications by tracking a beam of incoming light using a fast-steering mirror (FSM). The optical detector system comprises an array of optical photodetectors, such array comprising one or more quad cells. The incoming light passes through one or more optical elements to generate a specified beam shape, such as a bar or cross, on the array. The resulting output from the array is highly responsive to changes in position of the reshaped beam on the array. As a result, noise equivalent angle (NEA) of the optical detector system representing pointing error is substantially reduced. A reduction in NEA facilitates more precise alignment, allowing incoming light to be aligned to a smaller area. For example, the incoming light may be aligned to a single mode optical fiber connected to a receiver system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.