SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed fiber-optic terminus provides high-bandwidth connectivity to an optical transceiver on an underwater vehicle or other platform. Unique technology is used to provide full azimuthal coverage with no moving parts for acquisition, tracking, transmission and reception. The receiver, in particular, combines very high sensitivity with high bandwidth to support data rates in excess of 10 Mbps. The terminus is designed to be low-cost and easy to manufacture. Commercial opportunities are possible with the offshore oil/gas drilling industry, which is increasing its use of ROVs and other undersea technology, and the fiber-communications industry, for which this technology could provide diagnostic connections for undersea fiber-optic amplifier or regenerator locations. Other applications include communication and safety equipment for divers (commercial and pleasure) and improved short-range, high-bandwidth terrestrial FSO communications devices.

Phase I design, analysis and breadboarding efforts demonstrated the basic feasiblity of a highly efficient optical communications system for connecting fiber-optically networked sensor arrays. The proposed Phase II Program will demonstrate in hardware the highly efficient, scalable transmitter, the azimuthally isotropic receiver, non-mechanical pointing and tracking, and very low power consumption. A High-Bandwidth Optical Transmitter and a High-Bandwidth Optical Receiver will be constructed to demonstrate these technologies and they will be tested at realistic data rates and ranges during tank and at-sea tests. Benefit This technology will enable high-bandwidth connectivity among sensors, UUVs and other submerged vehicles, and surface, air and shore stations. Keywords Undersea communications, blue-green technology, free-space optical communications, Networking