Space Photonics Technology

ABSTRACT: The Wideband Optical C3 System (WiBOC3S) is proposed using the current Free Space Optical (FSO) communications subsystem, specifically designed for short range surface-to-surface (including airborne) covert data links. The proposed miniaturized subsystem will have high data bandwidth (2.5 Gbps), with fast pointing and tracking capability. Adding the fieldable hand held C2 interface (Universal Personal Tracker) for each FSO Transceiver control is proposed to develop a prototype design for a man portable stand-alone complete optical communications terminal system, to ultimately be linked to satellites. The prototype hardware and software for this intelligent broadband optical network is already developed technology that has actually been experimentally demonstrated to military units at the Navy/SOCOM Trident Specter 10 in May, 2010. This experiment was limited to ground based use between command center, outpost positions, and dismounted Warriors. Further design, development, and analytical projections of fieldable FSO hardware includes suitable mounting hardware plans for airborne (manned and unmanned) units. Phase II development will include complete fieldable covert communications systems for all military operations except satellites. Further development (in other proposals) extending the existing FSO technology is necessary to add compatible space based communication, including space-ground, using commensurately upgraded power and lens size for testing long range capability. BENEFIT: This proposal is foreseen as a future information network connecting satellites with dismounted Warriors on the ground. Covert communications technology within the US Defense organizations is extremely urgent, space-to-space and particularly to the Warriors. Recent incidents of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) radio frequency (RF) mode communications information being compromised in the Afghanistan Theater leads to the requirement for portable port-port optical wideband communication systems. UIE has a further development plan for miniaturization of the handheld UPT with versions for both military and civilian markets, e.g., hunters, hikers, surveyors, etc. (using only civilian hardware). Coordinated satellite imagery overlaid on maps.