Ocean Surface Transceiver Free Space Optical Communication System Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Topic No.: N122-116 Topic Title: Ocean Surface Transceiver Free Space Optical Communication System Proposal No.: N122-116-0113 Firm: Verdant Networks 365 Boston Post Road #121 Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 Contact: Erik Thoen Phone: (781) 275-1998 Web Site: www.verdantnetworks.com Abstract: Communication from ocean-surface sonobuoys to airborne platforms is critical to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. Existing Radio-Frequency (RF) solutions encounter several challenges which Free-Space Optical (FSO) systems solve. FSO systems for sonobuoy applications have unique challenges that proper system design can overcome. Verdant Networks is proposing an asymmetric system design that meets key performance, size, power, and cost requirements with several advantages. Design and development risk is minimized by leveraging existing Pointing Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT), optical, and modulation technology. Projected system performance will be experimentally validated by utilizing a proven test bed during the Phase 1 Option. By the end of Phase 1 a low-risk, experimentally verified design will be available to prototype and demonstrate in Phase 2. Benefits: Our low-cost, asymmetric optical design can be easily integrated into existing sonobuoy designs and ASW airborne platforms for both US and international customers. Additionally the system can applied to a variety of unmanned platforms to provide improved bandwidth from the growing number of high resolution sensors deployed remotely. In both commercial and military applications Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Unmanned Aerial Systems are potential target platforms for integration. Return