Optical communications system

Abstract

Abstract 1,032,529. Light modulation; aerials. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION. April 15, 1964 [April 18, 1963], No. 15577/64. Headings H4A and H4F. [Also in Division G1] A reflector for returning a beam of electromagnetic radiation parallel to an incident beam and comprising a plurality of reflection surfaces 45, 47, 49, Fig. 3, at least one of which is a flexible diaphragm constructed and arranged so as to vibrate in response to sound pressure waves, is employed in conjunction with a remotely located radiation source 23 and radiation detector 33, Fig. 1, to provide a one-way communication system. The invention is described in detail only as applied to a system for use with visible light, but reference is made to infra-red, ultra-violet and microwave radiation. In the reflector the reflective surfaces are carried by frames, such as 50, which are attached to a common main frame 43 by steel dowel pins, such as 61, which tension the frames against adjusting screws 54, 55, 56. The flexible reflector is formed of a thin plastic film with an aluminium coating. Alternative assemblies of the radiation source and detector are described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown). A laser is referred to for the radiation source. The system may be duplicated for two-way working.

Inventors

• 👤 Numa E Thomas

Bibliographic Details