Optical Communications for Control of Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Free space optical communication (FSOC) systems offer rapid data transfer rates, allowing wireless relay of complex data sets. To further promote the use of this technology for short-range covert communication links and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) data transfer, compact and robust transmitter/receiver modules that operate at ultraviolet wavelengths and within eye and skin-safe limits are desired. To meet this challenge, scientist from Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. will exploit recent advances in UV transmitter and receiver technologies to demonstrate the feasibility of assembling a rugged, compact and sensitive NLOS optical communication unit for short range video data transfer during both military and civilian operations. During Phase I, a theoretical analysis of the FSOC network's achievable performance will be made based on established component specifications and results from the testing of a bench-top demonstration unit. The work will be driven by the target application of covert, NLOS data transfer between unmanned ground vehicles and an operator control unit used by military and civilian personnel.