Mobile optical system for laser communication links between vehicles

Mobile point-to-point communication links between ground and aerial vehicles can be established using optical signal carriers. This technology has advantages over the traditional RF channels in terms of both data throughput and security. A communication system providing two-way optical connectivity between mobile ground stations is described. It utilizes mechanical devices for optical platform stabilization and initial beam positioning, optical tracking for maintaining the line-of-sight communication, and global positioning systems for mutual position awareness between the vehicles when the line-of-sight is obstructed. First, we describe particular system components and challenges of their integration. Then, preliminary results of field testing under practical conditions are presented.