Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Bert Lundy, Su Wen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-90). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Electrical Engineering, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

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We live in an era where the impact of climate change is felt in everyday life, with warming temperatures leading to environmental destruction and unprecedented shifts in natural and anthropic activities. Before these adverse effects can be addressed, it is crucial to explore, monitor, and collect data on the Earth's environment on both the micro- and macro-scale. Additionally, once environmental solutions have been implemented, it is imperative to continue data collection to gauge success. Standing in the way of such exploration and monitoring efforts are the shortcomings and limitations of pervasive communication technologies, namely radio frequency technologies (e.g., WiFi and Bluetooth). In this thesis, we peer beyond the confines of the radio frequency spectrum and explore the use of light — namely visible light, along with its infrared neighbor — to create next-generation communication and sensing systems. To generate highly tunable light, we explicitly turn to lasers. Unlike traditional luminaries, e.g., light-emitting diodes, laser diodes provide superior communication and sensing performance thanks to their GHz modulation speeds, narrow spectral wavelengths, intrinsic polarization, high-power densities, and high electro-optical conversion ratios. In this thesis, we exploit the versatility of laser light to enable micro- and macro-scale exploration and monitoring systems in aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments. We begin by exploring the powerful potential of laser light in communication and sensing contexts, then dive into the overarching challenges and techniques needed to realize practical and robust solutions. Armed with our research methodology, we then break through the air-water boundary with laser light and demonstrate two systems supporting bidirectional communication and 3D localization between aerial and underwater robots. Continuing on land and in the air, we next present two systems enabling laser tethering, communication, and wireless power delivery for high-mobility targets. We then complement these micro-scale systems with a macro-scale approach for laser polarization sensing over terrestrial fiber-optic networks. Finally, we conclude by expounding on the remaining challenges associated with laser-based communication and sensing systems, as well as the bright future of laser light in these novel contexts.