SBIR-STTR Award

For this Phase I SBIR proposal, Space Photonics puts forth highly innovative solutions for multi-access satellite clusters using our proposed miniature modular free-space laser communications transceiver subsystem. By virtue of our unique device and application specific designs, our laser cross-link transceivers provide wide field-of-view access without the need for the power hungry gimbaling that is typically required for accurate acquisition and tracking. Additionally, the transceiver provides for enhanced utility for open architecture implementations, optimized link power budget efficiency, and a straightforward modular interface designed for satellite power and data bus interfaces. Our proposed techniques and device designs were not possible just a few years ago, but with the most recent advances in device fabrication technology, our idea can be implemented and provide enormous value to laser cross-link systems.Our planned laser communications product line has enormous market potential, since to our knowledge, no such product has ever been conceptualized. The devices, firmware, software, and subsystems that will make up this product line will provide us with a large market opportunity in both the Government and commercial sectors. We anticipate broad use of these products in the last mile metro-area network markets and the rapidly growing multi-satellite applications market.

For this Phase II proposal, Space Photonics puts forth highly innovative solutions for multi?access spacecraft clusters using our proposed miniature modular free space laser communications transceiver subsystem. Our innovation uses MEMs technology to direct and acquire laser crosslink signals. This eliminates the need for the large, power hungry, mechanical gimbals previously required for laser crosslink pointing, acquisition and tracking. Our unique use of MEMs technology will produce a compact, low power design with a wide field of view and extremely high data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps). Because of the extreme compactness of our design, our transceivers can be easily integrated to provide a full 360° azimuth crosslink communications capability. Additionally, our laser crosslink transceiver provides enhanced utility for open architecture implementations, optimized link power budget efficiency, and straightforward modular spacecraft power and data bus interfaces. Our innovative designs and implementation techniques were not possible just a few years ago. However, recent advances in devices and fabrication technology have made the implementation of our innovations not only realizable but also practical and will provide enormous value and functionality to laser crosslink systems.

Benefits:
Our planned laser communications product line has enormous market potential, since to our knowledge, no such product has ever been conceptualized. The devices, firmware, software, and subsystems that will make up this product line will provide us with a large market opportunity in both the government and commercial sectors due to the broad range of possible products that can be envisioned with this technology. We anticipate broad use of these products in the last mile metro area network markets, the rapidly growing multi-satellite applications market, and with possible implications in commercial airline and communications markets. ---------- The data transmission capacity required for fixed and tactical information networking continues to increase. Deploying traditional RF or microwave broadband direct line of sight (DLoS) links does not meet future warfighter needs. A key thrust for the Air Force (AF) is Assured Access Communications. This involves the pursuit of affordable low probability of intercept and detect (LPI/D) and anti-jam (AJ) DLoS transmission links to provide secure and survivable communications in anti-access / anti-denial (A2/AD) environments. This capability is also critical at the tactical edge, where many legacy RF communication systems must operate in a spectrum congested environment or the warfighter faces challenging international spectrum licensing issues. The solution will require hybrid spectrum transmission solutions which utilize advanced broadband and reliable free space optical communication systems.Space Photonics, Inc. (SPI), Harris Corporation (Harris), and SCHOTT North America, Inc. (SCHOTT NA) have partnered to address this challenge. The overall goal is to advance SBIR funded optical tracking terminal technology (LaserFire) developed by SPI, integrate with a Harris-developed 10 Gbps dynamic buffering hybrid FSO/RF modem, and perform a demonstration at Langley AFB for ACC.

Benefit:
The systems being developed are applicable to many commercial communications markets including"last mile", cellular backhaul, and building to building. Any application requiring ultra high bandwidth, secure/covert, EMI-immune, or rapid-deploy would benefit from this technology.