Wide Field Tunable Optical Filter

Nova Photonics, Inc. proposes to design and develop a narrow bandwidth spectral filter, with a large aperture, based on a wide field Lyot type birefringent filter. The filter would have a field of view of over +/- 45 degrees in water with a 1 inch diameter aperture. The spectral resolution would be less than 0.2 nm with high out-of-band rejection. The unique filter design is very compact which aids in the high throughput and wide field design. The filter can be operated anywhere in the visible or IR region of the spectrum and can be rapidly tuned over narrow wavelength regions. BENEFITS: Current technology has limitations in high data rate communication between mobile platforms above and below water. Underwater communication precludes the use of all forms of electromagnetic radiation with the exception of very low frequency (low data rate) and blue-green visible frequency (very high data rate). Acoustic systems are limited in data rate. A free space laser communication system operating in the blue-green portion of the spectrum has the potential to transmit at very high data rates to submarines at speed and depth. The successful development of the proposed filter would significantly improve data communication rates, including video, between mobile platforms both above and below water. This could benefit Homeland Security which is responsible for harbor and near shore security and in commercial applications such as oil-rig inspection and maintenance.