Laser COM system delivers 800-Gbit/sec bandwidth

April 4, 2005 Campbell, CA -- AOptix Technologies, a supplier of electo-optical systems and technologies that enable laser communications, imaging, and directed energy systems, announced the availability of its first product, the GT1.0 Communicator. According to the company, by employing a unique, patented, bi-directional adaptive optics method of beam control, the system achieves a range of more than 20 km with virtually zero probability of intercept or detection, with near field ranges to 250 m from a single aperture/terminal with an automatic, operator-adjustable optics module. The system provides 800-Gbit/sec bandwidth with a fiber source from an all-optical, DWDM-capable system, and 1-Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) bandwidth using the company's 1 Gig Ethernet COM interface.

Packaged in a 9" x 13" x 13" chassis that operates on continuous battery power for more than 8 hours, the portable system weighs 12 kg and can be mounted on a tripod. The system's modular architecture is designed for maximum flexibility, and includes options for mounting the terminal co-bore sighted to other transmit and receive links. According to the company, for ground applications, the patented optical subsystem enables 1550 nm free-space wavelength, building-to-building (in room) line-of-sight links directly though windows, with no performance degradation. The company says the system's intrinsic ability to control the beam diameter down to a few centimeters provides unparalleled LPD/LPI (Low Probability of Detection/Low Probability of Intercept). This highly optimized beam control also allows for low power operation and significant range capability in challenging environments.