Infrared Data Link using a Multiple Quantum Well Modulating Retro-reflector on a Small Rotary-Wing UAV

This paper describes a recent demonstration of an optical data link between a small rotary-wing unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) and a ground based laser interrogator using the NRL multiple quantum well modulating retro-reflector (MRR). MRR systems couple an optical retro-reflector, such as a corner-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rabinovich, W S, Gilbreath, G C, Bovais, Chris, Cochrell, Kerry, Burris, H R, Ferraro, Mena, Vilcheck, Michael, Mahon, Rita, Goins, Kim, Sokolsky, Ilene, Vasques, John, Meehan, Timothy, Barbehenn, Robin, Katzer, D S, Ikossi-Ansatasiou, K
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
DATA LINKS
ELECTROOPTICS
INFRARED RADIATION
LASERS
LOW POWER
MULTIPLE QUANTUM WELLS
ONBOARD
OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS
OPTICAL DATA
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Optics
Pilotless Aircraft
Quantum Theory and Relativity
REMOTELY PILOTED VEHICLES
RETROREFLECTORS
ROTARY WINGS
SEMICONDUCTORS
SHUTTERS(OPTICS)
SMALL ROTARY WING UNMANNED AIRBORNE VEHICLE
Telemetry
TWO WAY TRANSMISSION
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Summary:This paper describes a recent demonstration of an optical data link between a small rotary-wing unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) and a ground based laser interrogator using the NRL multiple quantum well modulating retro-reflector (MRR). MRR systems couple an optical retro-reflector, such as a corner-cube, and an electro-optic shutter to allow two-way optical communications using a laser, telescope and pointertracker on only one platform. The NRL MRR uses a semiconductor based multiple quantum well (MQW) shutter capable of modulation rates above 1 Mbps. The MQW modulating retro-reflector has the advantages of being compact, lightweight, and very low power. Up to an order of magnitude in onboard power can be saved using a small array of these devices instead of the RF equivalent. In the demonstration a 400 Kbps optical link to a flying UAV at a range of 100-200 feet was shown. The device itself is capable of over 6 Mbps. The original document contains color images.