How secure is laser-based communication?

Laser transmission is very secure for several reasons:

1. Laser transmission has a narrow optical beam path; any potential eavesdropping will result in an interruption of the data transmission.

2. The narrow Infra red beam is not accessible unless viewing directly into the transmitter path.

3. The existence of laser beams cannot be detected with spectrum analysers or RF meters.

4. Various proprietary transmission protocols are used, which provide additional security.

Laser systems have been used for many diverse applications requiring confidential communications, including financial, medical and military networking.