Eye-Safe Infrared Laser Communicator

This proposal describes a highly advanced laser-based personal communicator designed for military personnel. Our team proposes to develop a general purpose, helmet mounted laser diode-based transmitter and receiver establishing a secure communication d listner. Alow profile array of detectors is capable of receiving the signal from any direction. The transceiver will be detachable, small and rugged. Laser diodes at 1550 nm are eyesafe and invisible to the eye and all but the most advanced night vivion technology. The devices will deliver enough output power when properly focused to enable communication as far as 2 km without extraordinary alignment procedures. Challenges to implementing this technology stem from the ergonomic reality that helmet lasers can only be crudely aligned; expanding the beam has the effect of reducing the signal to noise ratio necessitating the use of more powerful, expensive, energy consuming lasers. A major part of this proposal addresses the laser detector, and electronics that together yield a practical solution. Phase I will conclude with: (1) delivery of two helmet mounted transmitter/receiver prototypes sufficient for the Air Force's field tests, (2) our own measurements of performance specifications and (3) a complete cost analysis.