Covesion are partners on the UK government-funded Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Mid-Infrared Free-Space Telecommunications (MIST) project, which is led by the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fh-CAP) together with AVoptics and BAE Systems. This initiative will develop a mid-infrared (mid-IR) frequency conversion module to facilitate the transition of telecom wavelengths (C-band, around 1550 nm) to and from the mid-infrared spectrum (3.4 µm).
The project addresses a key limitation of current free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems, which suffer from atmospheric losses at conventional telecom wavelengths, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as fog and dust. By leveraging the reduced scattering properties of longer wavelengths, MIST aims to significantly enhance the reliability and range of FSOC systems, making them more resilient to challenging environments and improving data transmission reliability. The project aims to integrate this technology seamlessly into existing telecom systems, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment. The success of the system will be demonstrated through rigorous testing under simulated adverse conditions, validating its real-world applicability.
MIST’s primary innovation is the development of a mid-IR frequency conversion module based on Covesion’s waveguide technology. The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics will work with Covesion to fabricate Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) waveguides to convert telecom wavelengths (1550 nm) to mid-IR (3.4 µm) and back, enabling high-performance data transmission while leveraging mature telecom componentry.
By employing waveguide structures instead of bulk nonlinear crystals, the conversion efficiency is significantly improved, making it feasible for practical FSOC applications. AVoptics, a market-leader in the provision of FSOC solutions, will facilitate the integration of these modules at both the transmitter and receiver ends of existing 1550 nm systems.
Improved transmission in adverse weather conditions is a key advantage of mid-IR FSOC, with studies demonstrating over a 20 dB improvement in fog-like conditions compared to conventional telecom links. The technology enables higher data rates, allowing for gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) transmission, whereas direct mid-IR detectors currently offer only kilobit-per-second (kbit/s) rates. Additionally, mid-IR FSOC enhances resilience and extends communication range, making it ideal for applications in maritime and aerospace environments.
MIST aligns with the growing need for robust telecommunication networks capable of operating in variable environmental conditions. Potential applications include:
- Defence and security: Secure optical links for military and intelligence operations.
- Aerospace and maritime communication: Reliable communication links through fog, clouds, and dust.
- Remote sensing and environmental monitoring: Enhanced data transmission for earth observation and scientific research.
MIST represents a transformative step in FSOC technology, offering a cost-effective and high-performance solution for long-range, weather-resilient free-space optical communications. By combining the advantages of mid-IR wavelengths with the maturity of existing telecom infrastructure, MIST paves the way for future-proof telecommunications systems.
The project commences in March 2024 and runs for 13 months.
Share article
