Advanced Radio Frequency and Optical Connectivity to support Network-Centric Operations

NuCrypt is developing the technology for physical-layer optical encryption that exploits the intrinsic, irreducible noise of light. Our method, called AlphaEta, has fundamental and practical security benefits and the technology performs similarly as standard optical communications equipment. We have demonstrated AlphaEta in installed fiber-optic networks and have also built encrypted free-space optical links. While AlphaEta is inherently compatible with standard optical equipment such as fiber amplifiers, all-optical add-drop filters, and dispersion compensating fiber, it is currently applicable to ‘all-optical’ networks. Many military networks require interoperability with packet-oriented mesh-type networks which may combine various RF, electronic, and optical technologies. We propose to extend AlphaEta physical encryption so that it can be integrated into such heterogeneous systems as a high-security feature. In this Phase II, we will develop the technology to enable electronic processing such as switching, buffering, and regeneration on the AlphaEta optical signal. We will also develop a wireless interface and network controls which will allow for wireless and mixed medium networks to maintain the high-level security offered by AlphaEta encryption.