Free space optical communication system receiver

A method of receiving an optical signal, the method comprising:

• receiving an optical signal incident on a free space optical communication system receiver, the free space optical communication system receiver including
• a central optical sensor,
• a plurality of further optical sensors disposed around a peripheral edge of the central optical sensor;
• a means for moving the free space optical communication system receiver relative to an optical signal incident on the free space optical communication system;
• a controller configured to, using measurements of the incident optical signal by the plurality of further optical sensors, control the means so as to move the free space optical communication system receiver relative to the incident optical signal;
• and
• a bi-focal lens configured to focus the incident optical signal to produce a central focused beam onto the free space optical communication system receiver and an outer focused beam on the further optical sensors;
• measuring, by one or more of the further optical sensors, at least a portion of the incident optical signal;
• and
• moving the free space optical communication system receiver relative to the incident optical signal, based on the one or more measurements taken by the one or more of further optical sensors.

A free space optical communication system receiver kit, the kit comprising:

• a central optical sensor;
• a plurality of further optical sensors configured to be disposed around a peripheral edge of the central optical sensor;
• a means for moving the free space optical communication system receiver relative to an optical signal incident on the free space optical communication system;
• a controller configured to, using measurements of the incident optical signal by the plurality of further optical sensors, control the means so as to move the free space optical communication system receiver relative to the incident optical signal;
• and
• a bi-focal lens configured to focus the incident optical signal to produce a central focused beam onto the free space optical communication system receiver and an outer focused beam on the further optical sensors.

A free space optical communication system comprising:

• a free space optical communication system receiver;
• wherein the free space optical communication system receiver includes:
• a central optical sensor;
• a plurality of further optical sensors around a peripheral edge of the central optical sensor;
• a means for moving the free space optical communication system receiver relative to an optical signal incident on the free space optical communication system;
• a controller configured to, using measurements of the incident optical signal by the plurality of further optical sensors, control the means so as to move the free space optical communication system receiver relative to the incident optical signal;
• and
• a bi-focal lens configured to focus the incident optical signal to produce a central focused beam onto the free space optical communication system receiver and an outer focused beam on the further optical sensors;
• wherein the means for moving the free space optical communication system receiver includes a moveable support structure, wherein the free space optical communication system receiver is attached to the moveable support structure;
• and
• wherein the controller is configured to control the moveable support structure so as to move the free space optical communication system receiver, wherein the movement is based on an optical signal incident on the free space optical communication system as measured by the plurality of further optical sensors.