Blue Laser for Submarine Laser Communications (SLC)
Abstract
(U) The Blue Laser for Submarine Laser Communications (SLC) program will develop the critical laser technology necessary to support the requirements for non-acoustic Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), mine detection, and SLC. SLC and non-acoustic ASW programs are intended to develop the world’s first wall-plug efficient laser that operates both at an optimum water transmission band of open ocean water and at the wavelength of a Cesium Atomic Line Filter. There is a pressing need for improved ASW capabilities in the current operating environment, particularly in shallow water (above the thermocline) and littoral areas of operations. This laser has the potential to enable duplex communications for the submarine at unrestricted speeds and deep depths and improve the detection depth of a non-acoustic anti-submarine warfare lidar system by a significant factor. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed among DARPA, Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR), Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8), and Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I). The MOA establishes a joint program to conduct a demonstration of the SLC technology during a recognized fleet exercise in FY 2012. The Blue Laser technology is planned for transition to the Navy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 6c6659679f5f0450fdf42e6b4c8909a9