Advanced Lasercom Systems and Operations

We design, prototype, analyze, and test laser communications systems suitable for a variety of government platforms. Our research team develops techniques to mitigate fluctuations in signal power caused by turbulence and to lessen wavefront distortions. We perform atmospheric modeling and simulation, and build accurate acquisition, tracking, and pointing subsystems to support highly directional, low-probability-of-intercept communication links. Our major efforts include the demonstration of a low-cost, high-performance airborne laser communications terminal and development of a test capability to ensure interoperability among terminals.