Always on the lookout for more secure methods of communication, Army researchers may have found an answer in something we can’t even see. Data transfer through ultraviolet light could provide many advantages. Current optical communications systems rely on the precise alignment of lasers and LEDs—which are interfered with by the high levels of visible light that sunlight provides. Just a few millimeters off, and the communication link may be broken.
Benefits of UV Light Over Visible Light
UV light avoids some of the shortcomings of visible light. Because most of the ultraviolet radiation that enters Earth’s atmosphere is absorbed by the ozone layer (which helps protect our skin), it doesn’t interfere with communications the way that visible light does. In addition, molecules in the air scatter UV light, meaning the alignment does not have to be so precise. UV light doesn’t just avoid some of the technical problems of visible light. UV light is invisible to the naked eye and is thus harder for an adversary to detect.
Brainstorming is the Easy Part
Like many technological developments, the idea is easier than the implementation. A spokesperson for the Army Research Laboratory admitted a much deeper understanding of how ultraviolet radiation can be used effectively is required for the technology to be implemented in the Army. To take advantage of UV rays, users need to know their level of detectability. In addition, the technology itself is still being developed.
“Our work provides a framework enabling the study of the fundamental limits of detectability for an ultraviolet communication system meeting desired communication performance requirements,” said Dr. Robert Drost of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory.
Further research is necessary to Make sure the Tradeoffs Are worth it
For a few years, researchers have used UV sources to transmit slow signals for communications. That’s just the start. Development is underway for much higher communications loads, with the power and refinement required by users like the Army. There are tradeoffs to the techniques being investigated, and further research is needed for UV to replace visible light for communications.
While the findings on ultraviolet communications have been promising, researchers have much to learn about UV radiation itself. It is possible to create a seamless and heterogeneous network, but more needs to be understood about the technology to fully reap the benefits.
UV Part of Long Term Network Modernization Strategy
Because of these challenges still ahead, UV appears to be a long-term solution. Even so, the research is part of the Army’s ongoing network modernization strategy. The strategy is following a Halt, Fix, and Pivot method, which aims to keep pace with current threats as the branch deploys rapid research and development efforts. The Army is seeking to create a unified and seamless network that ultraviolet communications may help to secure.
