Micro-LED Communications for High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (Micro-LED HAPS)

Micro-LED HAPS aims to demonstrate an innovative optical communications system designed for deployment on high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS). Our approach exploits the unique capabilities of micro light-emitting diode (micro-LED) sources paired with single photon detectors. The compact nature of these integrated optical components and their low power consumption, make them well suited for the development of transceiver modules compatible with the tight size, weight, and power constraints of HAPS. Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fh-CAP), shall lead the project, which builds upon the world-leading expertise of the Institute of Photonics at the University of Strathclyde (IOP), who have pioneered the development of micro-LEDs over two decades. Together with TAO Tech UK, Wideblue, A2E, and Kubos Semiconductor, they will advance the commercialisation of these devices, for the increasingly important optical communications market.

The main objective for the project will be to demonstrate an optical communications link in a representative environment to de-risk future high altitude testing. The innovation here is the use of bespoke micro-LED arrays paired with single-photon detectors to enable low power and lightweight data links to be demonstrated. These data links can provide the vital command and control signals between HAPS platforms and between HAPS to the ground.

By thus expanding the communications capabilities of HAPS, we will enhance their utility for rapid deployment in various scenarios, such as Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) or Maritime Security missions, and more generally providing communications in remote locations poorly served by fixed infrastructure.