Design issues for semi-passive optical communication devices

I. Glaser

doi:10.1117/12.730436

18 September 2007 Design issues for semi-passive optical communication devices

I. Glaser

Proceedings Volume 6668, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization X; 66680N (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730436
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Optical smart cards are devices containing a retro-reflector, light modulator, and some computing and data storage capabilities to affect semi-passive communication. They do not produce light; instead they modulate and send back light received from a stationary unit. These devices can replace contact-based smart cards as well as RF based ones for applications ranging from identification to transmitting and validating data. Since their transmission is essentially focused on the receiving unit, they are harder to eavesdrop than RF devices, yet need no physical contact or alignment. In this paper we explore optical design issues of these devices and estimate their optical behavior. Specifically, we analyze how these compact devices can be optimized for selected application profiles. Some of the key parameters addressed are effective light efficiency (how much modulated signal can be received by the stationary unit given the amount of light it transmits), range of tilt angles (angle between device surface normal to the line connecting the optical smart card with the stationary unit) through which the device would be effective, and power requirements of the semi-passive unit. In addition, issues concerning compact packaging of this device are discussed. Finally, results of the analysis are employed to produce a comparison of achievable capabilities of these optical smart cards, as opposed to alternative devices, and discuss potential applications were they can be best utilized.

Citation Download Citation

I. Glaser "Design issues for semi-passive optical communication devices", Proc. SPIE 6668, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization X, 66680N (18 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.730436

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