Space Photonics Inc. has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Schott North America Inc. to commercialize its optical communications technology for US military and intelligence customers. The LaserFire free-space optical communications system enables uninterrupted, secure communications — building-to-building, vehicle-to-vehicle and tower-to-tower — where high-capacity fiber optic cables have been damaged or are not available, particularly in radio-frequency-denied environments. Most free space optical communications systems use large beams to maintain their links to accommodate for small mounting structure shifts. The LaserFire, however, incorporates a patented automated beam pointing, acquisition and tracking technique to ensure a more robust network when performance is critical, the company said. The terminal uses low-power infrared lasers, making it impossible to detect and intercept beams while the system is operating. Space Photonics’ covert communications technology was developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense. Manufacturing of the systems will begin later this year at Schott’s Lighting and Imaging unit in Southbridge, Mass. For more information, visit: www.us.schott.com