Evaluation of free-space optical fiber bundle transmitter configurations for receiver tracking

Dayong Zhou; Peter G. LoPresti; Nathan Brooks; Hazem Refai

doi:10.1117/12.816610

9 May 2009 Evaluation of free-space optical fiber bundle transmitter configurations for receiver tracking

Dayong Zhou, Peter G. LoPresti, Nathan Brooks, Hazem Refai

Proceedings Volume 7324, Atmospheric Propagation VI; 73240K (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816610
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

In order to track, acquire and maintain a free-space optical link between mobile platforms experiencing misalignment due to movement and atmospheric turbulence requires a different approach than traditional free-space optical transceivers. Recently, a fiber-bundle approach for beam steering at the transmitter was proposed and investigated that allowed tracking of the receiver without the use of mechanical devices. This reduced the size and weight of the transmitter by reducing the dependence on stabilization systems. This paper investigates different approaches for controlling the distribution of light to the bundle to facilitate tracking of the receiver and hence maximizing up time of the link. These approaches include switching light between individual fibers in the bundle, splitting of light amongst multiple fibers and switching between groups of fibers, and splitting light between all of the fibers. Each approach is evaluated on key parameters including power availability at the receiver, switching time, projected up time between switches, and coverage area at the receiver plane. Both experimental and theoretical analyses of the system are presented to address the key parameters. The investigation finds that a combination of switching combined with splitting of the light between at most three fibers is a suitable solution for the target application of a hybrid disaster area wireless network.

Citation Download Citation

Dayong Zhou, Peter G. LoPresti, Nathan Brooks, and Hazem Refai "Evaluation of free-space optical fiber bundle transmitter configurations for receiver tracking", Proc. SPIE 7324, Atmospheric Propagation VI, 73240K (9 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816610

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available