Passive Optical Data Port

"NOVASOL proposes a feasibility study for a Passive Optical Data Port (PODP). Together with optical interrogators NOVASOL is developing for NRL, PODP will provide a lightweight, low-power download or full-duplex link for broadband communication with mannedand unmanned remote stations. PODP is based on modulating retroreflector technology, making it entirely passive. Its lack of an active transmitter yields a light-weight, low-power design, and gives the PODP inherently low probability ofdetection/interception. PODP is a flexible unit that can serve purposes as diverse as unattended operation on buoys and sensor emplacements, small unit reconnaissance and special operations teams, and operations on moving vehicles. Both the PODP and itsinterrogating unit may be based on land, at sea, or in an aircraft. Free space optical communications will play an increasing role as the military theater of operations becomes more automated and sensor-rich. NovaSol's POPD program will provide animportant component whose light-weight, low-power, and covertness will expand the range of tactical optical communications deployment to support links between moving units. Civilian users will also welcome this technology for applications such asmonitoring volcanos or marine environments, where emplacement of fixed nodes would be impractical."