Calculations of bit error rates for retroreflective laser communications systems in the presence of atmospheric turbulence

Andrew M. Scott; Kevin D. Ridley

doi:10.1117/12.580844

8 December 2004 Calculations of bit error rates for retroreflective laser communications systems in the presence of atmospheric turbulence

Andrew M. Scott, Kevin D. Ridley

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5614, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communications Techniques and Technologies; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.580844
Event: European Symposium on Optics and Photonics for Defence and Security, 2004, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

A retro-reflective communications system comprises a laser transmit/receive station and a remote retroreflector that can be switched between "on" and "off" states. The laser illuminates the remote station and a collection telescope directs the reflected light to an associated detector the output of which is interpreted as logic 1 or 0. Atmospheric turbulence affects the outgoing illumination beam, resulting in beam spreading and in fluctuations in the intensity (scintillation)1. The reflected beam undergoes further turbulence induced spreading and there is an enhancement in the intensity fluctuations. These fluctuations mean that the logic level of signals may be wrongly identified, leading to bit errors. The signal may fade below detectable levels for periods of time, leading to sections of the bit stream being lost. We develop a description of the intensity fluctuations in terms of the Gamma-Gamma distribution2, and incorporate the effect of "aperture averaging" associated with the retro-reflector and the collection aperture. We characterise signal-to-noise ratios and calculate bit error rates as a function of retro-reflector cross-section and contrast for a variety of ranges, turbulence levels and system configurations. We also identify the characteristic timescale over which the atmosphere causes changes of intensity and discuss the implications.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew M. Scott and Kevin D. Ridley "Calculations of bit error rates for retroreflective laser communications systems in the presence of atmospheric turbulence", Proc. SPIE 5614, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communications Techniques and Technologies, (8 December 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.580844

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available