New Product Allows Operation of Optical Communication Terminals from Indoor Locations
LEESBURG, VA, February 13, 2024 – qBeam, Inc. (qBeam), a leader in the development of groundbreaking optical products, today announced the general availability of its handheld laser ablation device for enabling free space optical communications (FSOC) from indoor office locations. The qBeam window ablation laser allows optical communication terminals to be installed indoors by treating the windows that otherwise block the terminal’s infrared beam.
Commercial buildings utilize energy efficient windows to reduce HVAC operating costs. These windows include a low-E coating which blocks infrared (IR) wavelengths and thus limit heat from escaping to the outside. Unfortunately, the low-E coating also precludes operating optical communications equipment from indoor locations.
qBeam’s handheld device uses a laser beam to create a small “opening” in the low-E coating to allow IR energy to pass through with minimal attenuation. This results in a dramatic improvement in transmission for free space optical communications.
The portable laser system includes a variable focus-depth capability to accommodate most commercial windows, and can create “openings” of approximately 4” x 4” without repositioning the device. Larger openings require multiple applications. The process is permanent and can be applied in a matter of minutes.
The window ablation laser device complements qBeam’s existing line for FSOC modems by enabling their installation in more locations. The qBeam FSOC modem, released in 2023, offers a lower cost alternative to fiber optic solutions for terrestrial networks when mated to a compatible optical terminal. In the past, free space optics failed to gain traction because legacy FSOC modems did not adequately account for the impact of atmospheric turbulence.
The qBeam FSOC modem works differently. It includes forward error correction capabilities and a fade tolerant mode that provide end-to-end protection for transmitted data. As a result, the qBeam FSOC modem supports longer ranges and higher data rates than legacy systems, delivering unsurpassed stability, reliability, and performance.
The plug-and-play qBeam FSOC modem integrates seamlessly with existing optical terminals to rapidly deliver these and other advantages to infrastructures already in place. It works with traditional gigabit Ethernet (GigE) networks, supporting both GigE and 2.5 GigE client connections via a standard RJ-45 or SFP+ interface. qBeam is actively seeking relationships with optical terminal manufacturers to make it even easier for customers to quickly deploy a more holistic FSOC solution. qBeam plans to release an optical terminal in late 2024.
“For too long, optical communications have suffered from untapped potential, leaving government and commercial entities with a variety of unsatisfactory choices to best support their terrestrial and ground-space communications requirements,” said Eugene Estinto, qBeam’s President and CEO. “Our innovative FSOC modems and window ablation systems unlock that potential with a compelling and easy-to-use product that immediately provides value and changes the landscape for our customers.”
About qBeam, Inc.
Formed in 2014 and headquartered in Leesburg, VA, qBeam Inc. develops optical/laser products and simulation and modeling software for communication links. The company designs and manufactures innovative free space optical (FSO) modems, multi-spectral infrared cameras, laser etching/ablation systems, and optical range simulators. It also authored the Embed/Comm physical layer communication simulation software addon. For more information about our technology company and products, please visit www.qbeaminc.com.
Media Contact
Eugene Estinto
qBeam, Inc.
703-574-5321
