SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The demand for higher data-bandwidth per physical channel link is challenging electronic warfare in modern cyber network warfare. This project develops novel underwater data-link technology utilizing a) the high-bandwidth of light carriers, and b) high-order signal multiplexing exploiting optical angular momentum (OAM). Here the slow-responsive components for generation and detection of OAM are replaced with special developed GHz-fast modules. This enables real-time data transmission and switching with concurrent detection of multiplexed OAM channels. In detail, the project targets the creation of transverse modes with high switching rates and low insertion losses by coherently coupling twisted light modes with an either reprogrammable metasurfaces (MS) or Silicon photonics platform at sub-nanosecond response times, and subsequent signal detection. Two prototype systems will be developed; a Gen-1 using COTS-based components such as spatial-light-modulators (SLM), an upgraded Gen-2 deploying nanoscale GHz-fast SLM-like MS, and a polarization-resolved detector. The project includes the development of theoretical tools and multiplexing techniques for volumetric transmission of OAM and self-healing asymmetric beams, and studying the effects of turbulence in water to OAM and SAM transmission. Such multiplexed data links enable high-speed and secure communication while avoiding sensitivity and tolerances to perturbations in underwater communications and ship-based laser system.
