Holographic Lens Optical-Element for Laser Inter-Node Communication

To address the Navy need for a holographic optical element (HOE) that enables enhanced functionality of free space optical (FSO) communication among mobile platforms, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (ISI) proposes to develop a new Holographic Lens Optical-Element for Laser Inter-Node Communication (HoloLINC) technology based on the integration of three key technological components developed by ISI: (1) a wide field of view dispersion-free HOE design; (2) a wavelength shift aberration correction recording technique, and (3) an efficient holographic contact-copying mass production process. As a representative of a new HOE technology, HoloLINC provides a much-improved multi-functionality with very wide FOV at increased efficiency, uniformity, reduced aberrations, and manufacturability by low-cost fabrication process, leading to conformal aperture shaping and mobile platform integration. In Phase I, ISI will develop HoloLINC technology and evaluate performance improvements based on the proposed HOE technology components, design and fabricate a HoloLINC element to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology, and verify performance of the components through preliminary benchtop testing. In Phase II, a working prototype HoloLINC element will be developed, demonstrated, and tested for its optical performance, enhancement of FSO functionality, and conformal integration into a small UAS for the Navy’s FSO communication systems.