Free space optics alignment method and apparatus

A method of aligning a first free space optics device with a second free space optics device, one placed opposite to the other and each including a light source that includes at least an emitting portion, emitting a light beam into free space, attached to a first actuated mechanical assembly with at least two degrees of freedom and a photodetector including at least a receiving portion attached to a second actuated mechanical assembly, with at least two degrees of freedom, that can adjust the position of the photodetector receiving portion independently from the position of the light source emitting portion, and a controller that can control the first and second actuated mechanical assemblies, comprising the steps of:

• (i) in each device the controller adjusting the position of the light source emitting portion by stepping the first actuated mechanical assembly through a number of positions,
• (ii) in each device the controller adjusting the position of the photodetector receiving portion by stepping the second actuated mechanical assembly through a number of positions, independently of the movement of the first actuated mechanical assembly,
• (iii) in each device the controller fixing the position of the second actuated mechanical assembly after incoming alignment signals are received,
• (iv) in each device the controller transmitting alignment frames including position data for the first actuated mechanical assembly and including position data for the first actuated mechanical assembly of the opposite free space optics device after incoming alignment frames have being received from the opposite free space optics device, and
• (v) in each device the controller fixing the position of the first actuated mechanical assembly to a position indicated by feedback position data included in an incoming alignment frame from the opposite device.

A method of aligning a first free space optics device with a second free space optics device, one placed opposite to the other and each including a light source that includes at least an emitting portion, emitting a light beam into free space, attached to a first actuated mechanical assembly with at least two degrees of freedom and a photodetector including at least a receiving portion attached to a second actuated mechanical assembly, with at least two degrees of freedom, that can adjust the position of the photodetector receiving portion independently from the position of the light source emitting portion, and a controller that can control the first and second actuated mechanical assemblies, comprising the steps of:

• (i) in each device the controller adjusting the position of the light source emitting portion by stepping the first actuated mechanical assembly through a number of positions,
• (ii) in each device the controller adjusting the position of the photodetector receiving portion by stepping the second actuated mechanical assembly through a number of positions, independently of the positions of the first actuated mechanical assembly,
• (iii) in each device the controller fixing the position of the second actuated mechanical assembly to a position indicated by response values generated by the photodetector due to the incoming alignment signals,
• (iv) in each device the controller transmitting alignment frames that include outgoing representative information of the alignment state of the device, and
• (v) in each device the controller fixing the position of the first actuated mechanical assembly to a position indicated by incoming representative information of the alignment state of the opposite free space device, included in an incoming alignment frame.