Mid-IR Satellite Communications

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Directed Energy; Network Command, Control and Communications TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Space Platform OBJECTIVE: The goal is to develop a high-speed infrared laser transmitter for ground-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communications that is highly directional and covert. DESCRIPTION: Military and often commercial satellites require high-speed ground-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communications that are also covert. While radio frequencies are often used, they are easily intercepted since beam footprints are large. Thus, additional steps such as strong encryption are required. But even then, an adversary can tell when a transmission is taking place and is free to record the transmission and attempt to decrypt it later. Laser wavelengths offer a satellite communications solution where the beam footprint can be made much smaller thus preventing nearby signal interception. However, visible and near-IR laser wavelengths are undesirable for eye safety reasons. Also scattering of such wavelengths can be easily noticed by the human eye or night-vision type devices severely mitigating the desire to be covert. In contrast, a mid-infrared wavelength has many advantages. First of all, it is an eye-safe wavelength (light is absorbed by ocular media and not focused on the retina). Secondly, it is not detectable by the human eye nor by night-vision devices. And finally, wavelengths near 4 microns have optimum atmospheric transmission, avoiding aerosol scattering at shorter wavelengths and absorption at longer wavelengths. The topic would seek to develop a mid-IR laser transmitter with carrier wavelength of nominally 4 microns, > 1 Gbit/s data rate modulation, M2 5 W. The laser source should be space qualifiable. Beam quality and long-term operation shall be demonstrated as well as long-distance atmospheric transmission. PHASE I: In Phase I one would design, fabricate and demonstrate a breadboard laser transmitter operating near 4-micron wavelength with modulation or pulse rate of 1 GHz. This would explore the feasibility of novel structural, laser material, and fabrication approaches via proof-of-principle experiments. PHASE II: In Phase II, fabricate and demonstrate a prototype laser transmitter/receiver system operating near 4-micron wavelength with modulation or pulse rate of 1 GHz and average output power > 5 W. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The fundamental nature of AFOSR programs reflect the broad opportunity to commercialize science to both commercial and defense markets. Awardees will have the opportunity to integrate with prospective follow-on transition partners. The contractor will transition the solution to provide expanded mission capability to a broad range of potential Government and civilian users and alternate mission applications. NOTES: The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the proposed tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Kris Croake, kristina.croake@us.af.mil. REFERENCES: 1. 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary. Retrieved from: https://www.Defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf