The present disclosure provides a range-finding system capable of data communication. The range-finding system includes a rangefinder for acquiring ranging data, a magnetic ring unit having at least two communication channels, and a data processing and control unit. Each communication channel includes a magnetic ring. The magnetic ring unit transmits the ranging data as downlink data from the rangefinder to the data processing and control unit via one or more of the communication channels.

An optical wireless power transfer system includes a transmission module, which includes a main light source configured to output a main light; a transmitting processor configured to modulate the main light to have a first modulation; a beam splitter configured to pass the main light as a power light; and a reception module. The reception module includes a retro-reflector configured to retro-reflect the main light back to the transmission module; and a receiving processor configured to control the retro-reflector to reflect the main light to have a second modulation based on a power generated by the main light. Further, the beam splitter is further configured to reflect the main light having the second modulation to a first photodiode included in the transmission module.

The disclosure provides for a system that includes a plurality of stations equipped for free-space optical communications (FSOC) in a network and a central control system. At least one station in the plurality of stations includes a wavelength selectable switch, an OEO module, and one or more first processors. The one or more first processors are configured to control the wavelength selectable switch, process an electrical signal that is extracted using the OEO module, and communicate with the central control system. The central control system includes one or more second processors that are configured to receive data regarding FSOC communication conditions at the plurality of stations, determine a path between stations through the network based on the received data, and transmit instructions to the plurality of stations.

A device includes an optical fiber bundle having at least one optical data fiber and at least three optical tracking fibers, a mirror package configured to direct an incoming optical beam to the optical fiber bundle, at least three detectors, each detector corresponding to one of the at least three optical tracking fibers, the at least three detectors configured to receive portions of the incoming optical beam from the corresponding optical tracking fibers and convert the portions of the incoming beam to electrical tracking signals, and a controller configured to receive the electrical tracking signals from the at least three detectors and generate a feedback control based on the electrical tracking signals to control a position of the mirror package.

Systems, assemblies, and methods for detecting changes in polarization states are described. Example systems may include a light receiving unit including a sensor and a receiving polarizer. The sensor is configured to sense light from a polarized light source deflected through the receiving polarizer by a light directing article. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative a received polarization state of light deflected by the light directing articles. Such systems may be coupled to vehicles and may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, indicia, and markings to facilitate automated or assisted vehicular transport.

An optical wireless power transfer system including a transmission module having a power light source configured to output power light; a communication light source configured to output communication light; a mirror disposed in a light path of the power light source and the communication light source and configured to pass the power light and reflect the communication light; and a transmitting processor configured to modulate the communication light to have a first modulation. The wireless power transfer system also includes a reception module having a photoelectric cell configured to receive the power light from the transmission module and generate power; a retro-reflector configured to retro-reflect the communication light back to the transmission module; and a receiving processor configured to control the retro-reflector to reflect the communication light to have a second modulation based on the power generated by the photoelectric cell.

A method for using an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) system in an airfield to exchange optical wireless data communications with an aircraft. The method (i) detects aircraft exterior lights including aircraft LED lamps, via a plurality of airfield photo detectors, wherein the airfield LiFi system comprises the plurality of airfield photo detectors positioned at intervals along a runway of the airfield; (ii) in response to detecting the aircraft exterior lights, establishes a communication connection to an aircraft LiFi system comprising the aircraft LED lamps and aircraft photo detectors, by the airfield LiFi system; and (iii) exchanges the optical wireless data communications via the communication connection, by the airfield LiFi system, by: receiving communications from aircraft LED lamps, via airfield photo detectors; transmitting communications to aircraft photo detectors, via airfield LED lamps; and presenting ground station notifications.

The disclosure provides for a free-space optical communication system that includes a first lens group, a field corrector lens, and a second lens group. The first lens group is configured to receive light received from a remote free-space optical transmitter. The first lens group has a first focal plane. The field corrector lens is positioned between the first lens group and the first focal plane of the first lens group and positioned closer to the first focal plane than the first lens group. The first lens group also is made of material having an index of refraction of at least 2.0, and has a second focal plane. The second lens group is positioned at the second focal plane of the field corrector lens and is configured to couple light to a sensor.

A device includes an optical fiber bundle having at least one optical data fiber and at least three optical tracking fibers, a mirror package configured to direct an incoming optical beam to the optical fiber bundle, at least three detectors, each detector corresponding to one of the at least three optical tracking fibers, the at least three detectors configured to receive portions of the incoming optical beam from the corresponding optical tracking fibers and convert the portions of the incoming beam to electrical tracking signals, and a controller configured to receive the electrical tracking signals from the at least three detectors and generate a feedback control based on the electrical tracking signals to control a position of the mirror package.

A bidirectional optical subassembly, an optical transceiver including the same, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The optical subassembly includes a photodiode configured to receive an incoming optical signal, a transmitter configured to transmit an outgoing optical signal, and a passive optical signal processing unit including a filter and a mirror. The filter is at a first predetermined angle relative to an optical path of the outgoing optical signal and is configured to (i) reflect one of the outgoing optical signal and the incoming optical signal and (ii) allow the other of the outgoing optical signal and the incoming optical signal to pass through. The mirror is configured to reflect the one of the outgoing optical signal and the incoming optical signal at a second predetermined angle. The first predetermined angle is adapted to reduce filter insertion losses.