Demonstration of free-space optical communication link incorporating a closed-loop tracking system for mobile platforms

Henry J. White; David W. Gough; Richard Merry; Stephen Patrick

doi:10.1117/12.578257

8 December 2004 Demonstration of free-space optical communication link incorporating a closed-loop tracking system for mobile platforms

Henry J. White, David W. Gough, Richard Merry, Stephen Patrick

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5614, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communications Techniques and Technologies; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.578257
Event: European Symposium on Optics and Photonics for Defence and Security, 2004, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper investigates some of the issues involved in creating viable free-space optical (FSO) communication links for mobile platforms. Within the aerospace industry much of the work to-date has been theoretical, entailing very sophisticated and expensive technology. In contrast, the work here focused on adding tracking and alignment technology to commercially available FSO equipment to create a practical technology demonstrator. The technology demonstration successfully took commercial FSO units designed for fixed static links and added a tracking system. A closed-loop tracking system to sense the infrared beam and actuate pan and tilt heads was developed. The results of a series of individual tests into the viability of the tracking and control technology are reported. The developed tracking system actively tracked each end of the link and remained continuously aligned while the mobile platform travelled a random 100m route, and also while the mobile unit rotated on the spot. The tracking system was independent of the main FSO link or the vehicle, requiring no knowledge of the absolute or relative location, speed or rotation of either end of the link.

Citation Download Citation

Henry J. White, David W. Gough, Richard Merry, and Stephen Patrick "Demonstration of free-space optical communication link incorporating a closed-loop tracking system for mobile platforms", Proc. SPIE 5614, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communications Techniques and Technologies, (8 December 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.578257

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