Systems and methods for encrypting optical signals

Abstract

The concepts, systems and methods described herein are directed towards encrypting optical signals prior to the optical signals being sensed, for example, by a sensor. An optical phased array (OPA) may be disposed between an optical chain and a sensor to encrypt an optical signal being sensed before the signal is received at the sensor. The method includes receiving an optical signal having a plurality of beams organized in a first arrangement at an optical phased array, encrypting the optical signal in the optical phased array by steering or otherwise phase shifting the plurality of beams from the first arrangement to a second arrangement, transmitting the plurality of beams in the second arrangement from the optical phased array to a sensor and sensing the encrypted optical signal having the plurality of beams in the second arrangement at the sensor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.