Modeling of aerial-to-aerial short-distance free-space optical links

▪ A novel geometric intersection-based alignment model for A2A FSO communications was developed and analyzed. The model was tested with various data sets representing simulated multi-rotors with different parameters and deviations. Results were consistent and aligned with logical expectations. Model resolution proved to be important for higher-deviation data sets to accurately estimate mutual alignment. Current state-of-the-art multi-rotor technology is still far from being suitable for commercial A2A FSO applications. However, at less than 2000$ for each tested platform, they still achieve a remarkable performance at certain conditions. Introducing military-grade sensors and controllers, plus further investigating wider FoV optical interfaces will surely result in platforms achieving stable and high-bandwidth aerial FSO links. Future work will include extending the alignment model to account for curved optical arrays which offer greater FoV, mobility and multi-user support. The A2A model will be also generalized to describe A2G FSO links where ground units could be fixed or mobile stations. More actual platforms with different characteristics will be tested at high resolution to give a better perspective about the design and implementation of next-generation FSO equipment for aerial and mobile applications.