SBIR-STTR Award

Analog Photonics (AP) proposes a free space optical link with fast, nonmechanical steering capable of transferring duplex gigabit data streams, tracking and holding to a dynamic receiver and full (360) spatial coverage with minimal SWAP-C. The small size, low power consumption, and fast dynamic tuning of this solution makes it ideal for UAVs. Even though mW-level sources suffice in clear weather, amplifiers are added to the phased array to reduce the sensitivity to fog and rain.

Benefit:
Inexpensive APDs for short reach links (100m) can be used for indoors LiFi, rack-to-rack links, and entertainment purposes. If high speed steering and tracking is successful, our light weight and low power links can be utilized in small drones, virtual reality helmets or any other application when high speed links are essential in moveable devices which cannot be attached to optical fibers and cannot access a congested RF spectrum.

Keywords:
optical phased arrays, optical phased arrays, low noise ASIC design, tunable lasers, low noise APD arrays