An innovative optical based wireless communications technology for smart munitions

The objective of this SBIR project is to develop a novel wireless, optical based communications concept for data transmission between sensors, actuators, processors and communications devices within munitions housing. The concept being proposed is an alternative to Radio Frequency (RF) wireless transmissions, and will provide a noise free and high bandwidth communication interconnect between major munitions elements, as well as close proximity sister sub-munitions. The communications technology to be developed under this project is capable of withstanding the harsh environment of gun launched munitions, such as the high temperatures and pressures of firing and very high accelerations of sometimes in excess of 100,000 g's. The developed interconnect technology would also not emit energy, so that intelligence could not be monitored by external means. The proposed data communication networks also provide the possibility of being integrated into the structure of munitions, thereby occupying minimal added volume and greatly simplifying the problems related to wiring and their survivability, as well as high g hardening and survivability in the harsh firing environment