Novel active pointing system for point-to-point optical communication

David J. Hiley; G. Stephen Mecherle; J. Decanini

doi:10.1117/12.430779

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20 June 2001 Novel active pointing system for point-to-point optical communication

David J. Hiley, G. Stephen Mecherle, J. Decanini

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Proceedings Volume 4272, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIII; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430779
Event: Photonics West 2001 - LASE, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

A unique active pointing system for point-to-point optical communications capitalizes on the limited angular travel requirements to achieve a high angular precision, frictionless, lubrication-free design, at a price point consistent with commercial production. Gimbal components and three design configurations were traded for performance, cost, reliability, and technical risk. A gimbal ring configuration with voice coil actuators, flexure bearings, and LVDT position sensors was selected as the baseline, and prototypes were fabricated and assembled. Servo integration and testing is ongoing, which will be followed by commercial production.

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David J. Hiley, G. Stephen Mecherle, and J. Decanini "Novel active pointing system for point-to-point optical communication", Proc. SPIE 4272, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIII, (20 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430779

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