Research Continues on Secure, Mobile, Quantum Communications Published Feb. 26, 2010 By Maria Callier Office of Scientific Research ARLINGTON, Virginia -- Air Force Research Laboratory's Dr. David H. Hughes leads a lab-funded research team in the investigation of long-distance, mobile optical links imperative for secure in-theater quantum communications. The Rome, New York-based team is conducting high-data-rate experimentation using an optical laser link, a tool that exploits the quantum noise of light to achieve higher security. The system uses adaptive optics for transmitting high-data-rate video and audio signals over long distances. Meanwhile, AOptix Technologies, a developer of ultra-high-bandwidth laser communication solutions for government and commercial markets, has joined forces with AFRL to flight-test the system at 10,000 ft in order to evaluate the performance of its high-altitude, air-to-ground, quantum communications links. Until now, the challenge associated with free-space optical links, which use fiber optics for transmission, has been atmospheric turbulence. Transmitting information through turbulence creates distortions analogous to the muddled, fuzzy effects of viewing light reflected off a distant, twinkling star. Overcoming this obstacle requires the use of adaptive optics to rectify the distortion and generate a better quality signal. Dr. Hughes and his team have already established a distortion-free optical link at a distance of 35 km for stationary and flight test situations. The next flight test will aim for increased altitudes in order to demonstrate further air-to-ground distances. In addition to beneficially impacting operational aircraft capability, this new technology may even contribute to saving military lives, given its capacity for enabling real-time access to ultra-high bandwidth intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from various manned and unmanned airborne platforms.