Low power MEMS modulating retroreflectors for optical communication

Jason B. Stewart; David Freedman; Steven Cornelissen; Mark N. Horenstein; Peter Woskov; Jonathan Tang

doi:10.1117/12.844936

18 February 2010 Low power MEMS modulating retroreflectors for optical communication

Jason B. Stewart, David Freedman, Steven Cornelissen, Mark N. Horenstein, Peter Woskov, Jonathan Tang

Proceedings Volume 7595, MEMS Adaptive Optics IV; 759505 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.844936
Event: SPIE MOEMS-MEMS, 2010, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We report on the design, development and testing of a new low-power, light-weight and low-cost modulating retroreflector system for free-space covert optical communication and remote sensor interrogation. The central component of the system is a MEMS modulator mirror, which is physically similar to a very low modulation reflective diffraction grating that has actively controlled groove depth and can operate at frequencies up to 1MHz. One facet of the hollow corner cube retroreflector consists of the MEMS mirror, providing intensity modulation of a reflected interrogating beam by switching from an unpowered flat mirror state to a powered diffractive state. The system is optimized for performance at 1550nm and has a field of view of 60 degrees. For covert operation it uses "wake-up" circuitry to control a low-power shutter that remains closed between data transfers. The system's compact driver electronics employs power scavenging and resonant properties for minimal power consumption and extended autonomous operational life. Interrogation field test results for the modulating retroreflector will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Jason B. Stewart, David Freedman, Steven Cornelissen, Mark N. Horenstein, Peter Woskov, and Jonathan Tang "Low power MEMS modulating retroreflectors for optical communication", Proc. SPIE 7595, MEMS Adaptive Optics IV, 759505 (18 February 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.844936

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