Patent ID: 7639948
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H04B,H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of transmitting data in a free-space laser communications system, comprising: (a) producing a plurality of laser beamlets, wherein each laser beamlet has a wave vector unique to that laser beamlet at a point of incidence onto a transmitter; (b) with the transmitter, magnifying each of the laser beamlets such that the laser beamlets in the plurality of laser beamlets at least partially overlap; (c) transmitting the plurality of overlapping laser beamlets as a spatially multiplexed beam through free space to a receiver, wherein each of the laser beamlets in the spatially multiplexed beam has a unique wave vector pointing towards the receiver, wherein the unique wave vector includes unique wavelength and orientation combination; (d) receiving the multiplexed beam having the plurality of overlapping beamlets at a receiver; and (e) separating the multiplexed beam into the plurality of laser beamlets according to the unique wave vectors.