Point-to-multipoint free-space wireless optical communication system
US6445496B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B10/1121
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A free-space wireless optical communication system is disclosed that utilizes a telescope design having aspherical mirrors, such as a Ritchey-Chretien (RC) telescope. RC telescopes are characterized by a concave primary mirror and a convex secondary mirror each having a hyperbolic shape. The disclosed mirror configuration provides a larger focal plane that allows for automatic alignment between a transmitter and receiver with a stationary or fixed mirror design, further contributing to a lower fabrication cost. Among other benefits, the larger focal plane permits an n×n fiber array to be positioned in the focal plane of the RC optical telescope, thereby enabling point-to-multipoint communications with a single optical telescope. Each fiber in the n×n fiber array of a transmitting telescope can be focused on a different receiving telescope in a wireless optical communication system. In this manner, each fiber in the n×n fiber array sends optical energy over a distinct path to address a given receiving telescope. Likewise, for a multipoint-to-point communication system, an n×n fiber array can be positioned in the focl plane 330 of the RC optical receiving tele…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.