Measurements of the beam-wave fluctuations over a 142 km atmospheric path

N. Perlot; D. Giggenbach; H. Henniger; J. Horwath; M. Knapek; K. Zettl

doi:10.1117/12.681207

1 September 2006 Measurements of the beam-wave fluctuations over a 142 km atmospheric path

N. Perlot, D. Giggenbach, H. Henniger, J. Horwath, M. Knapek, K. Zettl

Proceedings Volume 6304, Free-Space Laser Communications VI; 63041O (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681207
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

An optical link has been established between the Canary Islands La Palma and Tenerife. A 1064-nm transmitting laser was located on La Palma whereas a BPSK communication receiver and measurement instruments were installed in ESA's OGS on Tenerife. Beside the demonstration of a high-data-rate coherent signal transmission, the goal of the experiment was to measure the effects of the atmosphere on the beam propagation in order to estimate its impact on optical links. In particular, wavefront distortions have been investigated by means of a DIMM instrument and scintillation was observed by imaging the pupil of the OGS telescope on a CCD camera. Strong scintillation was observed during all the experiment with scintillation peaks at sunsets and sunrises, and saturation at about noon. Because of the narrowness of the beam (15-μrad divergence), beam wander has been a serious issue. Statistical results are compared with theory. Recommendations regarding the specifications of optical coherent systems in such detrimental conditions are given.

Citation Download Citation

N. Perlot, D. Giggenbach, H. Henniger, J. Horwath, M. Knapek, and K. Zettl "Measurements of the beam-wave fluctuations over a 142 km atmospheric path", Proc. SPIE 6304, Free-Space Laser Communications VI, 63041O (1 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681207

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