US 11,996,887 B1
Free space optical communications using multi-detectors
Thomas M. Chaffee, Lexington, VA (US); Wayne H. Knox, Rochester, NY (US); Brian M. Gregory, Lexington, VA (US); and Taz M. Colangelo, Lexington, VA (US)
Assigned to Attochron, LLC, Lexington, VA (US)
Filed by Attochron, LLC, Lexington, VA (US)
Filed on Jan. 8, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/406,781.
Application 18/406,781 is a continuation in part of application No. 18/514,748, filed on Nov. 20, 2023.
Int. Cl. H04B 10/118 (2013.01); H04B 10/516 (2013.01)
CPC H04B 10/118 (2013.01) [H04B 10/516 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An optical communication system for optically transmitting data through a variably refractive medium, the optical communication system comprising:
an optical signal generator, wherein the optical signal generator includes:
an optical source configured to generate a beam of light, the optical source comprising a waveguide that amplifies emitted light;
a modulator configured to encode data on the beam of light to form an encoded beam of light; and
an amplifier configured to receive the encoded beam of light from the modulator and both amplify and filter the encoded beam of light to produce an amplified beam of light;
a telescope, wherein the telescope is configured to:
transmit the amplified beam of light through a variably refractive medium, and
receive an inbound beam of light; and
a detector system, wherein the detector system includes:
a plurality of detectors;
a routing system that includes optical components and/or fiber components,
wherein the routing system transmits the inbound beam of light to a first set of detectors of the plurality of detectors; and
a controller, wherein the controller is configured to:
obtain one or more control parameters;
determine whether a re-configuration condition is satisfied based on the one or more control parameters;
in response to determining the re-configuration condition is satisfied, determine a system re-configuration from a first state to a second state, wherein the first state is an active state of the optical communication system for causing the inbound beam of light to be directed to the first set of detectors, and the second state is new state of the optical communication system for causing the inbound beam of light to be directed to a second set of detectors; and
perform the system re-configuration to the second state.