The technology relates to the search and acquisition of a communication link. A search is necessary when two communication devices are not properly oriented or aligned towards one another. In such cases, the communication devices may be unable to communicate with one another, and thus, a search is needed to identify the correct alignment so that the communication devices are able to establish a communication link.

When it is detected that a first optical system of a first communication device and a second optical system of a second communication device are not properly aligned, for instance because they are not able to communicate, one communication device (for instance the first communication device may be designated the primary device, and another communication device (for instance, the second communication device) may be designated as the secondary device, or vice versa. The designation may be based on a calibration of the optical system of each communication device.

While the primary device transmits a beacon beam and remains pointed in an estimated direction of the secondary device, the secondary device may rotate based on a secondary search pattern comprising a series of positions forming an outward spiral from a set position. When the secondary device detects the beacon beam from the primary device, no further rotation is performed by the secondary device.