Covert Optical Transceiver

To address the ArmyÆs need for self-contained transceiver capable of communicating?between two points wirelessly without using the traditional radio frequency (RF) transport medium, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Covert Optical Transceiver (COT). COT is a free-space optical communications (FSOC) system that will use an innovative multi-wavelength design to provide secure communications at data rates of up to 1 Gbps at ranges of >2 km. COT will also utilize innovative, metamaterials-based optics to receive a signal over a wide field of view and enable multipath FSOC. This approach minimizes operator alignment times and mitigates operator alignment issues, which is critical when operating in covert conditions. This approach also surmounts the line-of-sight limitations typically inherent in FSOC, ensuring consistent and stable operations regardless of terrain or environment. COT will use a combination of solar power and low-power components to support operation for >800 hr without requiring external power sources. Optimized for minimal size, weight, and power, COT will be man-portable and camouflaged for easy concealment. COT will also support local and remote field programming by switching into programming mode after receiving the appropriate security authentication. In Phase I, Intellisense will create and deliver a design for COT to communicate wirelessly without the use of RF between two points, with at least one point remotely configurable operating without external power. Intellisense will also fully document the rationale supporting the design. The rationale will be based on research, sound engineering, component availability and market surveys capturing a performance-based analysis including effective signaling, efficiencies in autonomous operation, maximum distance between two points, and reliability. Intellisense will also provide a final product cost assessment and description of COTÆs operation. Finally, Intellisense will propose a means of assessing COTÆs performance by using test methods that include inspection, analysis, demonstration, and testing, encapsulated in a verification cross-reference matrix (VCRM). In Phase II, Intellisense plans to develop and test a prototype that demonstrates the ability to communicate between two points without RF autonomously and without external power in accordance with the VCRM derived from Phase I. The distance between points, as well as effective signaling will also be evaluated. The COT prototype will demonstrate the ability to deploy and sustain operations without external power or operator intervention, and its operating efficiencies will be evaluated, including the programmability and longevity of operation without refresh.