SBIR/STTR Award attributes
In tactical, covert operations, the ability to move large amounts of data air-to-air or air-to-ground is typically limited to large gimballed systems. This solution does not adapt easily to tactical field use and is not low profile thus making it less covert than desired. Free-space communications in the optical/infrared (IR) spectrum would offer much higher bandwidths for higher-density/higher-throughput communications than traditional radio frequency (RF) communications. Torrey Pines Logic proposes a solution based off their LightSpeed technology. The LightSpeed free space optics technology permits users to communicate voice, video and data at significant ranges, covertly and using little power. TPL has been developing optical communication systems for various uses since 2002. This technology is proven and readily available today. Currently, LightSpeed offers full Ethernet, USB, Serial, Analog Audio/Video, and full duplex voice communications. Extensive environmental testing & certification has been completed by the US Navy. Ongoing developments continue to advance LightSpeed by adding additional frequencies (including out-of-band), protocols, tracking, and integration for uses in underwater communications, unmanned C2, and covert applications. LightSpeed cannot be jammed, intercepted, or detected by any of the RF based approaches. Many different communication modes are implemented within LightSpeed.
