Performance of a wavelength-diversified FSO tracking algorithm for real-time battlefield communications

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi; Alan Harris; Robert C. Huck; James J. Sluss Jr.; Tayeb A. Giuma

doi:10.1117/12.763703

13 February 2008 Performance of a wavelength-diversified FSO tracking algorithm for real-time battlefield communications

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi, Alan Harris, Robert C. Huck, James J. Sluss Jr., Tayeb A. Giuma

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6877, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XX; 68770A (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763703
Event: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2008, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Free-space optical (FSO) communications links are envisioned as a viable option for the provision of temporary high-bandwidth communication links between moving platforms, especially for deployment in battlefield situations. For successful deployment in such real-time environments, fast and accurate alignment and tracking of the FSO equipment is essential. In this paper, a two-wavelength diversity scheme using 1.55 μm and 10 μm is investigated in conjunction with a previously described tracking algorithm to maintain line-of-sight connectivity battlefield scenarios. An analytical model of a mobile FSO communications link is described. Following the analytical model, simulation results are presented for an FSO link between an unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle, the Global Hawk, with a mobile ground vehicle, an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The scenario is analyzed under varying weather conditions to verify continuous connectivity is available through the tracking algorithm. Simulation results are generated to describe the performance of the tracking algorithm with respect to both received optical power levels and variations in beam divergence. Advances to any proposed tracking algorithm due to these power and divergence variations are described for future tracking algorithm development.

Citation Download Citation

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi, Alan Harris, Robert C. Huck, James J. Sluss Jr., and Tayeb A. Giuma "Performance of a wavelength-diversified FSO tracking algorithm for real-time battlefield communications", Proc. SPIE 6877, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XX, 68770A (13 February 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763703

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available