INFRARED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03330A000800020018-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 8, 2014
• Sequence Number: 18
• Publication Date: September 20, 1954
• Content Type: MEMO

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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/08: CIA-RDP78-03330A000800020018-8
Chief, Operations and Training Division/0C
Chief, 'Engineering Division/0C
infrared Communications Systems
20 September 195q
1. A review of the operational characteristics desired of in,
frarei communications equipmeot is sought to establish whether asap-
meat under development by the Manufacturing Company under
TSS/APS sponsorship and eqpipment proposed by the *levy's Underwater
Sound Laboratory are suitable for Agency use.
50X1
2. has been +mewed in the developseat of a portsble 50X1
infrared communications transceiver for approximately one and coe-half
years at a cost of approximatel$ $300,000. The delivery of three
prototypes of the equipment is anticipated in January 1955. Isformal
discussidne with respett to infrared development at the Underwater Sound
Laboratory seemingly offers broadened operati utilisatiem for equip,
meat that could be developed at a cost of approximato4 Stomo. A
discussion of the operational characteristics of the two infrared
cemmunicatioa systems follows:
A. The device bsian operating range or 6 land miles 50X1
with abeam width of 2 degrees. The dimensioos ere WroxilintelY
18" X 12" X 8". The 'eight is 15 - 18 pounds exclusive at power
supply. It is planned that the equipment will be powered by a
piing. generator or rechargeable batteries (RMoeroell). The
unit is capable of voice modulation and a carrier is 50X1
utilized to establish initial contact (no Provision for CM commu-
nication is mmde). Seceose the same optics are used for both
transmitting and receiving, only simplex operatioa shall be pos-
sible. The light source is a 10 watt tungsten lamp with a 30
hour life and is modulated mechanically with a high efficiency.
(A note-worthy azhievement). The two degree teem width of the
evice suggests rigid aligmeent technique* end. con- 50X1
ens lye signal plans which seemingly would restrict operational
compatibility for broadened utilisation. Ideal onto:met for the
equipment would include eagineered installation in *building
*wall or chimoey duriag daylight with the old of telescopes for
fixed station operation. it is not anticipated that cation
contact could be established, or if otherwise established, main,
Wand, with any mangiest of the device. The to the requirement
for continuous and accurate alignment for satisfactory operation,
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/08: CIA-RDP78-03330A000800020018-8
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease014/05/08 : CIA-RDP78-03330A000800020018-8
SE
Infrared Communications Systems 20 Septeaber 1954
it does not appear feasible that the equipment w be operated
While in motion, either vehicular or walking. On the ether hand,
the device does poesess an extended operating rens* and 50X1
utilizes minimum power requirements. The actual power require-
ment*, althongh not as yet determined, misht approximate ome-half
of that required for the Navy version of portable infrared equip.
went, described below.
B. The equipment as proposed by the Undarsrater Sean& Lab-
oratory would beret an operating range of 2 1/2 miles and abeam
width of 15 degrees. Physical dimension's exclusive of the power
supply would approximate le I V lt JO and 'weigh Approximately
11 pounds. Provisions for both CV and voice eammonication would
be provided. llectrieic modulation would be accomplished with
the employment of a cesium vapor tube as the infrared light source.
Power requirements womaA be 30 vette for the modulator, 9 watts
for filament supply and 22 watts for the cesium lamp. /be pewer
supply would consist of miniature rechargeable batteries and a
vibrator for supplying 250 volts for the modulator end receiver.
The Veryls concept of infrared equipment provided a 13 degree
banal width at the expense of operating range but removes serious
vliPment problems. The power requirements considerably exeeed_
those required by th* Ikuageten light source with the net 50X1
results that the recbargesbie batteries would require charging
more frequently - possibly with each hour of operation. The
cesium vapor light "mace proposed by the Navy require* a 10
minute ionization time prior to operation.
3. Tour comments with respect to the operational characteristics
of these two infrared communications system* are desired for .the prop-
aretion of an infrared Staff Ste&y to be presented te the Mesearth and
!Development production Movie+, 'card at an early meeting.
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20 SepteMber 1954
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/08: CIA-RDP78-03330A000800020018-8