Fiber Optics Communications Link Study.

Abstract : This final report documents the results of a six month program of study which was conducted to establish and evaluate the merits of using fiber optic cables for transmitting sensor data from balloon deployed observation platforms to ground based monitoring stations. The baseline system application analyzed, for the purposes of this study, was the RADAR command and data links associated with the SEEK SKYHOOK program. To establish the advantages of applying fiber optics technology to such an application, a complete optical cable system was designed and compared with the presently deployed microwave communications link, based on cost and performance. Specific elements designed as part of the study included an integrated fiber cable and balloon tether, optical transmitter and receiver, and the electro-optical hardware for interfacing with the existing ground and balloon based equipment.