Characterizing modulating retroreflectors for laser comms

Laser comms is a branch of wireless communication using a laser beam which directed at a given target, allowing higher speed connections. Specifically, we consider devices called modulators, these are used to encode information into a laser beam, analogously to sending a Morse code message. The modulator allows more of less of the laser beam to pass through it creating pulses equivalent to on and off signals (binary data). These devices have been computationally designed to predict improvement on the current technology. This project will test the existing devices of the current technology and then the new designs to show the predicted improvements. The results will inspire further design of an optimized device for search & rescue applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Holzman

Student:

Partner:

Cardiff University

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Information and Communications Technology; Nanotechnology; Aerospace

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: