LPI Optical Communication System

Abstract

An optical communication system based on the use of the GaAs laser diode as the light source has been developed and demonstrated. The system uses one inch transmit optics to provide a beam-width of about 18 mrad and has a receive field of view of about 35 mrad with 2 inch optics. A narrow band optical filter is used in the receiver to reduce optical noise in the detector so that operation at night and during daylight hours is possible. The system has low probability of intercept (LPI) properties as a result of the narrow transmit beam, the low power transmitted and operating wavelength which is invisible to the human eye. The system has weight of 52 pounds and requires about 167 watts of electrical power during operation.