2019 MILCOM

Restricted Technical Panel: Free Space Optical Communications for DoD Applications (Room Main H)

13 Nov 19
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Tracks: Restricted Technical Panels, Restricted Technical Program

Speaker(s): William S. Rabinovich, Ph.D., Head, Photonic Materials and Devices Section, Optical Science Division, US Naval Research Laboratory; James Lyke, Ph.D., Space Vehicles Directorate, US Air Force Research Laboratory; Joseph "Joe" Macker, US Naval Research Laboratory; Paul Pellegrino, Ph.D., US Army Research Laboratory; Linda M. Thomas, Ph.D., Research Engineer, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Free space optical communication can allow high bandwidth, low probability of intercept/detect communication that is not subject to frequency allocation. Balanced against these advantages are requirements for accurate pointing, line of sight, and availability restrictions due to weather. The panel will discuss these advantages and disadvantages, in the context of military applications, and how new technology and approaches affect use cases.