Optical Surfaces has developed a modular pre-aligned beam collimator kit intended to simplify the assembly and testing of Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems.
FSO communications use optical beams to transmit data wirelessly through air or space, providing a high-bandwidth alternative to conventional radio-frequency systems. Within an FSO system, the beam collimator is used during alignment and testing to ensure the emitted beam remains parallel and optimised, helping maintain signal intensity and minimise losses over long transmission distances.
Dr Aris Kouris of Optical Surfaces, commented: “The design and precise alignment of an FSO communications system is critical for the systems performance, as it directly affects the quality of the transmitted signal and the accuracy of the communications link”.
The company says conventional large-diameter FSO systems have typically required large, heavy and expensive reflective beam collimators. Its new approach uses lightweight, modular pre-aligned assemblies that can be combined to create larger-aperture systems.
Kouris added: “Traditionally large diameter FSO communication systems have required a large, heavy and expensive reflective beam collimator. Benefiting from a lightweight modular design – our pre-aligned beam collimator kits overcome these shortfalls. The introduction of kinetic mounting on these pre-aligned modules makes assembly of complete large diameter beam collimator systems – faster, more precise and highly reproducible. The high stability, unmatched performance and easy assembly of our modular large diameter beam collimator kits is generating considerable interest throughout the FSO communications community”.
The collimator kits use a zero-expansion parabolic mirror manufactured to better than λ/10 peak-to-valley surface accuracy. The off-axis optical configuration eliminates central obscuration, which is intended to maximise transmission efficiency.
An all-reflecting optical design also provides achromatic operation, allowing the system to operate across a broad wavelength range without adjustment. With aluminium/magnesium fluoride coatings, the collimators can operate from the ultraviolet through to the infrared.
The modular approach is intended to improve repeatability during assembly while reducing the physical and cost burden associated with conventional large-diameter reflective collimators.
Optical Surfaces has more than 60 years’ experience in high-precision optical component and system manufacture. Its ISO 9001:2015-approved manufacturing and test facilities are located underground in tunnels excavated into solid chalk, providing stable temperature conditions and low vibration. The company says these conditions support reliable testing, particularly for systems involving long optical path lengths.
