A -- Multi-User Laser Communication Concepts and Technology

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Sensors Directorate and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Advanced Technology Office are seeking information about technology and work that supports the development of Multi-User Laser Communication capability. Information about ideas, concepts and technology programs that support the development of an optical system capable of simultaneous multiple access/multi-user free space laser communication is being solicited. To date, the development of free space laser communication hardware has concentrated on single user point-to-point systems that do not accommodate multiple users. A multi-user capability will greatly enhance the utility of laser communications in both the airborne and space environments. Concepts for multi-user access to a laser communication network should have a sufficiently large field of regard in order to receive signals from multiple disperse users at the same time. In addition, the optical system must be able to determine the location of the user, such as from the angle of arrival of the signal, and then allow for the beam steering necessary to establish the communication link. Multiplexing technologies that support the use of ?channels? to establish network identity and connectivity among the diverse users is one area of interest. Ideally the system will be able to transmit and receive simultaneously, to different users within the field of regard of a given network architecture. There are two areas of interest were multi-user access will be required in the future, air-to-satellite and air-to-air networks. Information about concepts and technologies that support either or both of these areas are being solicited. Ideas and technologies for a space based terminal should address the current and projected state of space qualification, lifetime and environmental support for those concepts. Ideas and technologies for airborne terminals should address the larger fields of regard (essentially 4 Pi steradian) that a multi-access system must contend with to successfully implement an air-to-air network. In all cases the intent of this RFI is to identify concepts and technologies that will lead to the development of multi-access terminals with a small form factor that will lend itself to tactical usefulness. This announcement is a request for information, and no contract will be awarded pursuant to this announcement. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement will be issued. However, DARPA, AFRL and the Air Force will utilize the information for technical and acquisition planning, especially near-to-mid term investment planning. It is recognized that any cost information provided by the contractor is a preliminary estimate for planning purposes; the contractor will not be bound to these estimates. Subsequent acquisitions may follow in the ways that best meet technology needs. The government invites comments related to possible purchase or acquisition strategies. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: This announcement is UNCLASSIFIED. AFRL anticipates that information received in response to this RFI will be UNCLASSIFIED. The Air Force will not reimburse providers for the cost of submitting information in response to this RFI. AFRL Technical POC info: Mr. Robert Feldmann, AFRL/SNJM, 3109 P STREET, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7700, voice: +1 (555) 000-0000 ext. 232, email: contact@example.gov, DARPA Technical POC info: Mr. George Duchak, voice: +1 (555) 000-0000, email: contact@example.gov.