Laser communication terminal apparatus and free-space laser communication system

摘要

A free space laser communication system operates at two power levels. The system includes a microprocessor to control the laser output beam to a safety level when the input beam indicates that the output beam is not being received at the remotely positioned terminal. If the output beam is not being received by the remotely positioned terminal, a blockage or misalignment of the beam is indicated. During normal operation when a blockage or misalignment of the beam is not detected, the output beam may be operated at a level higher than a safety limit to thereby provide enhanced communication performance.