RF-independent optical communication using IR beacons and MWIR/LWIR cameras to enable resilient signaling for critical infrastructure security.

This project explores a novel, RF-independent communication concept based on infrared (IR) beacon signaling passively received by MWIR and LWIR cameras. The approach addresses growing challenges in civil security environments where radio-frequency communications are unreliable, congested, restricted, or deliberately disabled.

The system uses IR beacons that emit encoded optical signals invisible to the human eye. These signals are detected and decoded by existing MWIR/SWIR imaging sensors through software-defined algorithms, transforming electro-optical sensors from passive observers into communication receivers. By avoiding RF transmission, the solution enables discreet, low-interference signaling suitable for sensitive environments.

Potential civil security applications include critical infrastructure protection, secure coordination in RF-restricted areas, border and maritime surveillance, crisis and emergency response, and interaction between fixed sensors and autonomous or semi-autonomous security systems. The concept leverages widely deployed photonic technologies, reducing integration barriers and enabling compatibility with existing surveillance and monitoring platforms.

The project is currently at concept stage and aims to validate feasibility, define communication protocols, and demonstrate the approach through controlled pilots. It seeks research organizations, photonics and EO/IR technology providers, system integrators, and civil security end-users as partners for joint development and EU-funded security research initiatives under Horizon Europe Cluster 3.

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