Micro Adaptive-optics Unit

Free space optical communication (FSOC) links from a UAV to satellite offer an exciting opportunity to provide ultra high data rate bi-directional links (10-40 Gbps) exfiltration of data from in-theatre surveillance assets. For example, the Global Hawk platform could serve as a remote relay station, collecting data from local assets and uplinking the data to satellite network systems. The Global Hawk flies above clouds, thus the only potential limitation of this Concept of Operations (CONOPS) is aero-optical turbulence. Nutronics, Inc.’s Phase I effort performed a system engineering flow down for a 40 Gbps bi-directional link for a Global Hawk platform, deriving requirements for a Micro Adaptive-optics Unit (MAU) Transceiver system that offers single beam uplink and downlink capability, is polarization insensitive, and the only keep out zone is a 10 degree aft cone, which is obstructed by the engine intake and thus not viable for an FSOC link regardless. Nutronics proposes a Phase II effort to address the primary risk area associated with development of the MAU Transceiver – operation of the AO system in a vibrating environment. Nutronics proposed effort has the objective of testing the AO system in a vibrating environment, maturing MAU technology toward flight testing. BENEFIT: The proposed effort has numerous potential benefits and commercial applications, including (but not limited to): laser communication, space situational awareness, astronomical ground based imaging, laser radar, laser rangefinding, air-base defense, ship self-defense, and tactical precision strike