The effective use of seismic sensor arrays to accurately and rapidly detect and geolocate nuclear events requires a secure and robust wireless communications system. The wireless communications system must supports near-real-time, high data rate transmissions amongst sensors and centralized data collection points; rely on little or no fixed infrastructure; and allow low-power operation to support flexible and reconfigurable deployment of these sensors in possibly remote areas over ranges of 0.5 to 10 km between sensors. This project will develop a wireless ad-hoc network, operating in the High Frequency (HF) band, to meet the long-range seismic sensor array communications requirements. The network will use low-cost/low-power HF components and incorporate recent advances in HF antenna technology to dramatically reduce the required sensor antenna size. Phase I will develop a simulation environment that demonstrates the effectiveness of novel wireless ad-hoc networking communications algorithms, tailored to the seismic sensor array requirements and applied to operation in the High Frequency (HF) band. Sensor and data collection center design concepts will be developed to support direct prototype implementation during Phase II.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should contribute to the nonproliferation of materials, technology, and expertise related to weapons of mass destruction. Potential markets include the U.S. government and its allies
