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High-efficiency ultraviolet UAV communications using an azimuthally omnidirectional optical antenna
Optics Letters
|May 1, 2026
Summary
This study demonstrates a high-efficiency ultraviolet optical wireless communication link between unmanned aerial vehicles using a novel omnidirectional antenna. The system successfully transmitted live images between two flying drones, validating its performance.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Wireless Communication
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Optical wireless communication (OWC) offers high bandwidth potential for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks.
- Achieving reliable communication links between dynamic UAVs requires advanced antenna designs with wide fields of view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a high-efficiency UV OWC link for inter-UAV communication.
- To develop and test a novel azimuthally omnidirectional optical antenna for UAV applications.
Main Methods:
- Design and implementation of an annular compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC) based omnidirectional antenna.
- Experimental setup for outdoor transmission tests between two in-flight UAVs at a distance of 9 meters.
- Data transmission at 9.6 kbps, including live image transfer.
Main Results:
- The ACPC antenna achieved a 114° field of view (FOV), covering polar angles from 10° to 124°.
- A maximum omnidirectional gain of 21.6 dB was recorded.
- Successful real-time transmission of live images between two UAVs validated the communication link.
Conclusions:
- The proposed UV OWC link with the novel ACPC antenna is effective for inter-UAV communication.
- The system demonstrates high efficiency and reliability for transmitting data, including live video, between airborne platforms.
- This technology holds promise for enhancing connectivity and data exchange in UAV networks.
