Self-aligning LED-based optical link

Thomas C. Shen; Robert J. Drost; John R. Rzasa; Brian M. Sadler; Christopher C. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2239515

7 September 2016 Self-aligning LED-based optical link

Thomas C. Shen, Robert J. Drost, John R. Rzasa, Brian M. Sadler, Christopher C. Davis

Proceedings Volume 9954, Fifteenth International Conference on Solid State Lighting and LED-based Illumination Systems; 99540D (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2239515
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2016, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The steady advances in light-emitting diode (LED) technology have motivated the use of LEDs in optical wireless communication (OWC) applications such as indoor local area networks (LANs) and communication between mobile platforms (e.g., robots, vehicles). In contrast to traditional radio frequency (RF) wireless communication, OWC utilizes electromagnetic spectrum that is largely unregulated and unrestricted. OWC communication may be especially useful in RF-denied environments, in which RF communication may be prohibited or undesirable. However, OWC does present some challenges, including the need to maintain alignment between potentially moving nodes. We describe a novel system for link alignment that is composed of a hyperboloidal mirror, camera, and gimbal. The experimental system is able to use the mirror and camera to detect an LED beacon of a neighboring node and estimate its bearing (azimuth and elevation), point the gimbal towards the beacon, and establish an optical link.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Thomas C. Shen, Robert J. Drost, John R. Rzasa, Brian M. Sadler, and Christopher C. Davis "Self-aligning LED-based optical link", Proc. SPIE 9954, Fifteenth International Conference on Solid State Lighting and LED-based Illumination Systems, 99540D (7 September 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2239515

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