Extending the range and performance of non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication links

Gary A. Shaw; Andrew M. Siegel; Joshua Model

doi:10.1117/12.666194

2 May 2006 Extending the range and performance of non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication links

Gary A. Shaw, Andrew M. Siegel, Joshua Model

Proceedings Volume 6231, Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications VIII; 62310C (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.666194
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

This paper describes recent advances in the technology for, and implementation of, short-range non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical communication links. The approach relies on molecular scattering of ultraviolet wavelengths by the atmosphere to achieve NLOS, omni-directional communication Links. The implementation employs commercially produced semiconductor sources emitting in the solar-blind region of the UV spectrum, around 275nm. This paper extends previously reported field measurements to longer ranges (100+m) and to a wider variety of application scenarios, including an outdoor demonstration of real-time speech at 2.4kbps in full sunlight. The paper also addresses the design trades associated with replacing photomultiplier detectors with semiconductor detectors for reasons of cost and ruggedness. Even with improvements in semiconductor materials and commensurate reduction in dark currents, the use of semiconductor detectors will require the introduction of imaging arrays. Incorporation of imaging arrays opens the possibility of adaptive links in which bandwidth and transmit power are adapted to best exploit the channel constraints.

Citation Download Citation

Gary A. Shaw, Andrew M. Siegel, and Joshua Model "Extending the range and performance of non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication links", Proc. SPIE 6231, Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications VIII, 62310C (2 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.666194

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