PMMA Based Holographic Optical Elements for Free Space Optical Communication Systems on Mobile Platforms

Under this proposal, we will use both thick and thin holograms, using PQ-PMMA, to realize three different types of HOEs that would enhance significantly the capabilities of the Free Space Optical Communication System (FSOCS) on portable platforms, while reducing significantly the SWaP-C parameters. The first HOE will realize a WDM transmitter and receiver system with six independent channels, all propagating along the same path. Each channel will have a bandwidth of 0.5 nm. This will vastly increase the data transmission bandwidth for the FSOCS. The second HOE will serve as simultaneous filter for three bands, each with a bandwidth of 5 nm. This can be used for passive ranging of targets that produce illumination, by measuring the varying degrees of absorption by atmospheric oxygen. The third HOE will serve as an efficient and high field of view lens that can be scanned rapidly. These three HOEs will be built and tested under the Base Period. Under the Option Period, we we will build a table-top FSOCS to test and optimize the functionality of these HOEs. Under Phase II, we will produce compact and portable versions of these HOEs, with highly reduced SWaP-C parameters, in order to make them field deployable.