This paper describes recent advances in the technology for, and implementation of, short-range optical communication links. The approach relies on molecular scattering of ultraviolet wavelengths by the atmosphere to achieve non-line-of-sight, omni-directional communication links. The same technology is also shown to be attractive for certain classes of line-of-sight links. A UV communication testbed implementation is described that is unique, employing research-grade semiconductor sources emitting in the solar-blind region of the UV spectrum, around 275nm. This paper extends previously reported field measurements to longer ranges and to a wider variety of application scenarios, including operation under tree canopy and operation in short-range quasi-line-of-sight links. Field measurements of atmospheric extinction at 275nm are reported and incorporated in a single-scatter propagation model to predict performance of line-of-sight links. Application of UV communication to foliage penetration uplinks is described, and performance is quantified through field measurements.
[1]
Barry Charles,et al.
Ultraviolet laser-based communication system for short-range tactical applications
,
1994,
Photonics West - Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering.
[2]
Gary A. Shaw,et al.
Short-range communication with ultraviolet LEDs
,
2004,
SPIE Optics + Photonics.
[3]
Gary A. Shaw,et al.
Short-range NLOS ultraviolet communication testbed and measurements
,
2001,
SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing.
[4]
Weng W. Chow,et al.
Device performance of AlGaN-based 240-300-nm deep UV LEDs
,
2004,
SPIE Optics + Photonics.
[5]
Gary A. Shaw,et al.
Demonstration system and applications for compact wireless ultraviolet communications
,
2003,
SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing.
[6]
D. E. Sunstein,et al.
A scatter communications link at ultraviolet frequencies.
,
1968
.
[7]
Gary A. Shaw,et al.
NLOS UV communication for distributed sensor systems
,
2000,
SPIE Optics + Photonics.