High Bandwidth, spatial tracking, free-space communication link for low visibility conditions

"Coherent Technologies Inc. (CTI) proposes to develop a laser communication system (LCS) coupled with a high-speed pointing and tracking scheme for greater than 100 Mb/s data rate, for optimal conditions, and 64kbits/sec, for poor atmospheric conditions,applications for short range (1km) multiple node optical communications. The LCS will provide eyesafe operation with an engagement range greater than 1 km among moving aerial vehicles (including VTUAVs), ships and individual personnel nodes. The dual modeAMCW and pulsed (high peak power), high repetition rate laser transmitter optimally coupled to a compact pointing and tracking unit will be designed to reduce the probability of data link breakdown due to low visibility conditions (i.e. fog). The approachwill capitalize upon innovative transceiver and scanner designs developed by CTI for laser radar systems and the advancing scanner technologies such as Micro-Opto-Electrical-Mechanical Systems. The baseline architecture uses a 1.5-mm transmitter optimallycoupled to micro-mirror assembly. Three potential configurations for tracking in a highly dynamic environment are envisaged. The Phase I effort will generate system level signal-to-noise ratio assessments for data link performance under variousenvironmental conditions, (2) establish closed-loop pointing and tracking scheme for maximum link performance, and (3) develop a proof-of-principle prototype and execute risk reduction measureme