Enhanced Robustness and Reliability for Free-Space Optical Communication Links Using Spatial Diversity

R-DEX Systems proposes to team with the University of Southern California to develop the Spatial-Diversity Communication Link (SD-Link), a free-space optical (FSO) communications system for reliable and high-capacity wireless communications. The proposed SD-Link will build on the team's previous published work in FSO communications using spatial diversity and the team's previous STTR collaborations. SD-Link will combine proven multiple-input-multiple-output equalization, spatial diversity, beam tracking, and digital signal processing to improve reliability of current FSO communications. The Phase I will focus on system design of the spatial diversity FSO communication link as well as the beam tracking system. In Phase II, the team will build on the Phase I design to further mature SD-Link. Specifically, in Phase II the team will demonstrate performance of the optical links using modeling and simulation, prototype critical elements and demonstrate in a controlled environment, quantify the benefits of SD-link compared to existing techniques in similar environments, develop an approach to air vehicle integration, and identify remaining technology challenges. In Phase III, R-DEX will work with its academic and industrial partners to further develop SD-Link for both Government and commercial applications.