Patent ID: 6347001
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A free-space laser communication system having six axes of movement, comprising:(a) a housing having two axes of movement; (b) a gimbal mounted within the housing, the gimbal having two axes of movement; (c) an optical transceiver mounted on the gimbal and configured to include: (1) a centroiding system operating to determine an aiming point for the optical transceiver; (2) at least one communication laser operable to generate an output laser beam to be directed at the aiming point; (3) a steering mirror having two axes of movement, operable to direct an incoming beacon beam to the centroiding system and the output laser beam to the aiming point; and (4) a feedback control receiving information on the aiming point from the centroiding system and adjusting the steering mirror to direct the output laser beam at the aiming point according to the information.