Invisible Light Communication Optics for Secure RF-Free Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency communication systems are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, jamming, and interception, and underwater communication suffers from significant attenuation, limiting their reliability and security in military, law enforcement, and special use applications.
Innovation Solution
Invisible light communication systems using infrared and ultraviolet light transmissions that operate in specific electromagnetic spectra, requiring line-of-sight and employing software-configurable transmitters and receivers to ensure secure, reliable data and voice communication, even in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency communication is used, then wireless communication can be achieved, but the communication is vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, jamming, and interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic waves with visible light waves for communication. The transmitter converts electrical signals to optical signals using an emitter, and the receiver converts optical signals back to electrical signals using a photosensor. This substitution of the communication medium from radio waves to visible light eliminates vulnerability to electromagnetic interference and jamming, as visible light operates in a different spectrum that is not subject to RF interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from radio frequency to visible light frequency. By operating at visible light frequencies rather than radio frequencies, the system avoids the electromagnetic interference problems that plague RF communication. The visible light spectrum is generally free from intentional jamming and interference, providing more reliable communication.
2Reliability
If radio frequency communication is used, then wireless communication can be achieved, but the communication can be intercepted and the interception may not be detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio frequency waves with visible light waves, creating a communication system that is inherently more secure. Visible light communication requires line-of-sight transmission, making it difficult to intercept without being detected. The narrow beam width of visible light and its inability to penetrate obstacles compared to RF waves provide natural security features that prevent undetected interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical modulators and demodulators as intermediaries that encode and decode information using visible light. These optical components provide a secure transmission medium that does not allow unauthorized interception, as the visible light signals cannot penetrate walls or obstacles effectively, limiting the communication to line-of-sight paths that are easier to control and secure.
3Reliability
If underwater radio communication is used, then communication can be achieved, but the transmission distance is extremely low due to considerable attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency waves with visible light waves for underwater communication. Visible light travels significantly farther in water than radio waves, as water is transparent to visible wavelengths. This substitution allows for much greater transmission distances underwater, overcoming the severe attenuation that limits RF communication to extremely short ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic spectrum from radio frequency to visible light frequency for underwater operation. Visible light has better penetration properties in water compared to radio waves, allowing for extended transmission distances. The optical frequency operates in a spectral window where water is more transparent, enabling communication over much greater distances than RF systems.
4Area of stationary object
If invisible light communication with broadened beam is used, then communication coverage is improved, but the beam divergence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable optical components including variable focal length lenses and adjustable beam expanders that allow dynamic control of beam width. The system can switch between narrow beam modes for long-range communication and broad beam modes for area coverage, providing flexibility to adapt to different operational requirements without being fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple emitters and multiple receiver elements that can be independently controlled. By activating multiple emitters simultaneously, the system creates multiple broad beams that cover larger areas. The beam can be segmented into multiple parallel beams or distributed across multiple spatial channels, allowing coverage of extensive areas while maintaining manageable beam divergence for each individual beam.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides persistent and secure communication with low size, weight, and power requirements, resistant to interference and interception, suitable for various applications including aerial, underwater, and tactical operations.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter receives the modulated electrical signal and, in response, emits a beam of light in one of the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The photosensor detects the converging beam of light and, in response, produces a received electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An invisible light communication system can communicate using infrared or ultraviolet light signals to provide more secure communications. The system includes a software definable and hardware configurable transmitter that uses an input, an encoder, an invisible light source, and an optic to transmit an invisible light signal. The system also includes a software definable and hardware configurable receiver that receives the invisible light signal using an optic, a detector, and an output. Applications for the invisible light communication system include fixed, deployable, vehicle, and wearable configurations for voice, video and data transmission and receipt in support of a variety of use cases: remote sensing; data exfiltration; remote control, ordnance detonation; tactical chat/messaging; point-to-point and point-to-multipoint audio communications; and full motion video.