TRACKING AND DETECTOR DEVICE FOR OPTICAL SYSTEMS

A tracking detector device for use in a free-space optics (FSO) system includes a position sensor and an optical receiver coupled to the bottom surface of the position sensor. The position sensor has an optical aperture configured to allow a portion of incoming light to pass through the position sensor and a plurality of position receivers located adjacent to the optical aperture and configured to sense portions of the incoming light. The tracking detector device may also include a focusing optic disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the position sensor and configured to focus the portion of the incoming light that passed through the position sensor onto the optical receiver. The tracking detector may advantageously be employed in FSO communications systems and provide fully automated alignment with an incoming light beam under computer control.