SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of the project is to develop a small, very-high bandwidth optical communications link for the Missile Defense Agency for data telemetry during missile tests. AOptix Technologies has developed a novel Free Space Optical communication system that uses Adaptive Optics to dynamically correct atmospheric aberrations that result from turbulence and scintillation. By correcting these optical distortions, AOptix is able to build multi-gigabit performance, all-optical, long-range FSO systems. These FSO systems are inherently secure because the light beam is precisely controlled and collimated to fill the receiver aperture. AOptix Technologies will adapt its terrestrial FSO system to meet the MDA's requirements for a long-range, high-speed, secure, compact communications technology that can be flown on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles during test launches.

AOptix Technologies proposes to build and demonstrate a laser communication system that uses adaptive optics to mitigate atmospheric turbulence. Lasercom systems require accurate pointing capability to direct the narrow optical beam and compensate for platform vibration and jitter. In AOptix lasercom systems, adaptive optics (AO) techniques are employed to accomplish this as well as precorrect the transmitted beam to reduce atmospheric scintillation, another factor critical to successful system operation. In Phase I, a prototype unit enabled sustained operation of a 28 km link between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and a remote mountain site. Phase II will miniaturize the optical system for aircraft compatibility. Smaller and faster adaptive optics components will be used to advance system capability. Demonstration of atmospheric transmission over long links will be included in the testing program