Ultra-low loss laser communications technique using smart beamforming optics

Theory and design is presented for a technique for ultra-low loss laser communication that uses a combination of strong and weak thin lens optics, hence obeying the paraxial approximation. As opposed to conventional laser communication systems, the Gaussian laser beam is prevented from diverging at the receiving station by using a weak thin lens that places the transmitted beam waist mid-way between a symmetrical transmitter–receiver link design. The weak lens can be a fixed optic for static link distances or programmable for mobile scenarios. The programmable weak optic can be a single pixel or multi-pixel lens made by liquid crystal or mirror technologies. The proposed link design is appropriate for low air turbulence links such as short-range or indoor links and space based links.