AFRL investigates optical links
A US Air Force Research Laboratory researcher is leading a team investigating long-distance, mobile optical links that are essential for secure quantum communications capabilities in theatre.

A US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) researcher is leading a team investigating long-distance, mobile optical links that are essential for secure quantum communications capabilities in theatre.
Dr David H Hughes and his Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded (AFOSR) team have conducted high-data-rate experiments using an optical laser link, a tool that exploits the quantum noise of light for higher security. The system uses adaptive optics for transmission of high-data-rate video and audio signals over long distances.
AOptix Technologies, a developer of ultra-high-bandwidth laser communication solutions for government and commercial markets has teamed with AFOSR and AFRL to conduct flight tests at 10,000ft to evaluate the performance of the high-altitude, air-to-ground, quantum communications links.
The challenges so far with free space optical links, which use fibre optics for transmission, have been the turbulence or distortions from temperature differences that cause motion or wind in the atmosphere.
‘When you transmit information through turbulence, it's distorted,’ said Hughes. ‘You have to overcome that by using adaptive optics to rectify the distortion and get a better quality signal.’
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
WildFusion helps robot traverse difficult terrain
<a...