Miniaturized Free Space Optical Communication Transceivers for CubeSats

Freedom Photonics proposes to develop revolutionary miniaturized Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) transceivers that are so compact that they are suited for CubeSats. The transceiver will realize low cost, size, weight and power through high power Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology and non-mechanical beam steering technology. Unlike RF, FSOC is inherently power efficient due to the high antenna gain from small optical wavelengths and is hard to detect and intercept. Operating in optical bands with orders of magnitude greater bandwidth, FSOC transceiver would be of great benefit to ease the bandwidth crowding in RF small satellite communications. Compact FSOC transceiver would be of great utility for civilian satellites requiring communication bandwidth without the competition for licensing crowded RF spectrum. Modular orbital FSO relays acting as cross-links and deep-space transceivers would mitigate the atmospheric effects and provide spatial redundancy for ground links.

NASA related applications targeted by this program are: • Scientific LEO CubeSat-ground communication relieving the RF crowding from ever growing number of CubeSats • GEO-LEO cross-links and LEO-Ground uplink relays to mitigate asymmetric atmospheric effects • Deep Space-GEO, GEO-LEO, LEO-Ground FSO relays providing spatial redundancy

• Inter-satellite and satellite to ground communications (Satcom) • Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) communications for Special Operation Forces (SOFs) • Temporary deployment of secure high capacity computer networks • Broadband access for low density rural communities • Mobile communications for disaster and emergency management, Law enforcement and Fire Department

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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