Free-space optical communication using mid-infrared or solar-blind ultraviolet sources and detectors

Free-space optical communication is a promising solution to the "last mile" bottleneck of data networks. Conventional near infrared-based free-space optical communication systems suffer from atmospheric scattering losses and scintillation effects which limit the performance of the data links. Using mid-infrared, we reduce the scattering and thus can improve the quality of the data links and increase their range. Because of the low scattering, the data link cannot be intercepted without a complete or partial loss in power detected by the receiver. This type of communications provides ultra-high bandwidth and highly secure data transfer for both short and medium range data links. Quantum cascade lasers are one of the most promising sources for mid-wavelength infrared sources and Type-II superlattice photodetectors are strong candidates for detection in this regime. The same way that that low scattering makes mid-wavelength infrared ideal for secure free space communications, high scattering can be used for secure short-range free-space optical communications. In the solar-blind ultraviolet (< 280 nm) light is strongly scattered and absorbed. This scattering makes possible non-line-of-sight free-space optical communications. The scattering and absorption also prevent remote eavesdropping. III-Nitride based LEDs and photodetectors are ideal for non-line-of-sight free-space optical communication.

[1]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  High quantum efficiency AlGaN solar-blind p-i-n photodiodes , 2004 .

[2]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  Room temperature quantum cascade lasers with 27% wall plug efficiency , 2011 .

[3]  M. Razeghi,et al.  Uncooled operation of type-II InAs∕GaSb superlattice photodiodes in the midwavelength infrared range , 2005 .

[4]  Anna Consortini,et al.  Laser beam propagation in the atmosphere , 1967 .

[5]  Gary A. Shaw,et al.  Short-range NLOS ultraviolet communication testbed and measurements , 2001, SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing.

[6]  J. Faist,et al.  Quantum Cascade Laser , 1994, Science.

[7]  Allan J. Evans,et al.  Reliability of strain-balanced Ga0.331In0.669As∕Al0.659In0.341As∕InP quantum-cascade lasers under continuous-wave room-temperature operation , 2006 .

[8]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  High-power mid- and far wavelength infrared lasers for free space communication , 2007, SPIE Microtechnologies.

[9]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  Quantum cascade lasers that emit more light than heat , 2010 .

[10]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  Quantum-cascade lasers operating in continuous-wave mode above 90°C at λ∼5.25μm , 2006 .

[11]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  High-temperature, high-power, continuous-wave operation of buried heterostructure quantum-cascade lasers , 2004 .

[12]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  High-power 280 nm AlGaN light-emitting diodes based on an asymmetric single-quantum well , 2004 .

[13]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  4.5 mW operation of AlGaN-based 267 nm deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes , 2003 .

[14]  John B. Singletary,et al.  Space Materials Handbook. NASA SP-3051 , 1969 .

[15]  J. Hansen,et al.  A parameterization for the absorption of solar radiation in the earth's atmosphere , 1974 .

[16]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  High-quantum-efficiency solar-blind photodetectors , 2004, SPIE OPTO.

[17]  Manijeh Razeghi,et al.  2.4 W room temperature continuous wave operation of distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers , 2011 .

[18]  M. Razeghi,et al.  Type II superlattice photodetectors for MWIR to VLWIR focal plane arrays , 2006, SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing.

[19]  L. Esaki,et al.  A new semiconductor superlattice , 1977 .