Imagine trying to use a flashlight to send a secret code to a friend underwater, but the beam keeps missing because the water moves. This technology acts like a smart, self-steering laser that automatically finds and locks onto the receiver. It allows underwater robots and sensors to talk to each other at high speeds without needing cables.
Current underwater communication relies on acoustic or radio waves which are too slow or unreliable. This prevents the creation of a real-time 'Internet of Underwater Things' for monitoring and industry.
A system-on-a-chip featuring blue optical phased arrays (OPAs) and VCSEL lasers for high-speed beam steering.
If you are a subsea operator dealing with slow data retrieval from seabed sensors — this project developed an integrated blue OPA-based system that enables high-speed, low-power wireless data transfer. This removes the need for expensive cabling in deep-sea environments.
If you are an AUV manufacturer dealing with beam misalignment during underwater docking — this project developed a beam-steering chip that allows for a large field-of-view and high localization accuracy. This ensures reliable connectivity between mobile robots and surface platforms.
If you are a farm operator dealing with the high cost of monitoring large underwater pens — this project developed a low-cost, scalable wireless network for the Internet of Underwater Things. This allows for the deployment of many small, battery-powered sensors to monitor fish health in real-time.
Based on available project data, the specific unit price is not listed, but the project objective is to create a 'cost-effective' and 'low-cost' system on a chip.
Yes, the project focuses on 'scalable approaches' using photonic and electronic integrated circuits to enable the deployment of large-scale networks.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the project is a HORIZON-EIC Pathfinder initiative involving a consortium of 6 partners.
The technology is designed as a system-on-a-chip, integrating blue VCSEL lasers and digital-to-analog converters for easy embedding into sensors and AUVs.
The project is active from 2024-08-01 to 2028-07-31.
The consortium is heavily research-driven, consisting of 6 partners across 5 countries. With 4 universities and 1 research institute, the academic weight is high (83%), while industrial presence is limited to one SME (17%), indicating the project is currently focused on fundamental technical breakthroughs rather than immediate commercial rollout.
Contact Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) regarding the BlueArray OPA development.
Contact us to track the transition of this chip from lab to pilot phase.
