Fast steering mirror

#The present invention relates generally to optical communication systems, and in particular, to a fast steering mirror for use in free-space optical communication systems.

#With the increasing popularity of wide area networks, such as the Internet and/or World Wide Web, network growth and traffic have exploded in recent years. Network users continue to demand faster networks, and as network demands continue to increase, existing network infrastructures and technologies are reaching their limits.

#An alternative to existing hardwire or fiber network solutions is the use of wireless optical telecommunications technology. Wireless optical telecommunication systems, also known as “free-space optical” (FSO) communication systems, utilize beams of light, such as lasers, as optical communications signals, and therefore do not require the routing of cables or fibers between locations. Data or information is encoded into a beam of light, and then transmitted through free space from a transmitter to a receiver.

#The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram illustrating the use of a fast steering for positioning a free space optical transceiver;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a fast steering mirror in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

#Embodiments of a system and method for tracking in an optical wireless communication system are described herein. In the following description, some specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

#Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

#An exploded isometric view illustrating a fast steering mirror 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. Fast steering mirror 10 includes a mirror 12 and a first pair of voice coils 14A and 14B that are mounted to an inner gimbal frame 16. The inner gimbal frame is pivotally coupled to an outer gimbal frame 18 via a first pair of flex pivots 20A and 20B, forming a first pivot axis X. A second pair of voice coils 22A and 22B are mounted to the underside of outer gimbal frame 18 via respective mounting pads 24 and 26, as well as a pair of counterweights 28, which are mounted within respective cutouts 30 and 32 using fasteners 34. Outer gimbal frame 18 is pivotally coupled to a gimbal support frame 36 via a second pair of flex pivots 38A and 38B to form a second pivot axis Y that is orthogonal to first pivot axis X. Respective flex pivots 38A and 38B include one end that is received by slots 40 and 42 defined in upright extensions 44 and 46 and secured with a structural adhesive, while their other ends are respectively inserted into holes 45 and 47 defined in outer gimbal frame 18 and secured with a structural adhesive.