Enhanced Robustness and Reliability for Free-Space Optical Communication Links Using Spatial Diversity Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Topic No.: N181-027 Topic Title: Enhanced Robustness and Reliability for Free-Space Optical Communication Links Using Spatial Diversity Proposal No.: N181-027-0181 Firm: R-DEX Systems, Inc. 1225 Johnson Ferry Rd Suite 240 Marietta, Georgia 30068 Contact: Robert Bock Phone: (678) 641-2380 Web Site: http://www.r-dex.com Abstract: R-DEX Systems proposes to team with the University of Southern California to develop the Spatial-Diversity Communication Link (SD-Link), a free-space optical (FSO) communications system for reliable and high-capacity wireless communications. The proposed SD-Link will build on the team's previous published work in FSO communications using spatial diversity and the team's previous STTR collaborations. SD-Link will combine proven multiple-input-multiple-output equalization, spatial diversity, beam tracking, and digital signal processing to improve reliability of current FSO communications. The Phase I will focus on system design of the spatial diversity FSO communication link as well as the beam tracking system. In Phase II, the team will build on the Phase I design to further mature SD-Link. Specifically, in Phase II the team will demonstrate performance of the optical links using modeling and simulation, prototype critical elements and demonstrate in a controlled environment, quantify the benefits of SD-link compared to existing techniques in similar environments, develop an approach to air vehicle integration, and identify remaining technology challenges. In Phase III, R-DEX will work with its academic and industrial partners to further develop SD-Link for both Government and commercial applications. Benefits: R-DEX Systems' proposed SD-Link system will have broad military and civilian applications for a wide range of applications, including: (1) high bandwidth data transmission; (2) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which require the dissemination of large volumes of sensor data, imagery and video to the network in real time; and, (3) Test and Evaluation (T&E) for high-speed vehicles. R-DEX's technology transition efforts are focused on fielding through the normal DoD acquisition process as well as leveraging SD-Link for commercial applications. The technology underpinning SD-Link can significantly enable commercial wireless communication applications as well, including: (1) mobile backhaul, (2) last mile access, (3) fiber diversity, (4) fiber extension, (5) financial markets, and (6) ad-hoc networks. Return