A process for free-space laser communications system design

Frederick G. Walther; John D. Moores; Robert J. Murphy; Steven Michael; George A. Nowak

doi:10.1117/12.826256

21 August 2009 A process for free-space laser communications system design

Frederick G. Walther, John D. Moores, Robert J. Murphy, Steven Michael, George A. Nowak

Proceedings Volume 7464, Free-Space Laser Communications IX; 74640V (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826256
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We present a design methodology for free-space laser communications systems. The first phase includes a characterization through numerical simulations of the channel to evaluate the range of extinction and scintillation. The second phase is the selection of fade mitigation schemes, which would incorporate pointing, acquisition, tracking, and communication system parameters specifically tailored to the channel. Ideally, the process would include sufficient flexibility to adapt to a wide range of channel conditions. We provide an example of the successful application of this design approach to a recent set of field experiments. This work was sponsored by the Department of Defense, RRCO DDR&E, under Air Force Contract FA8721-05-C-0002. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the United States Government.

Citation Download Citation

Frederick G. Walther, John D. Moores, Robert J. Murphy, Steven Michael, and George A. Nowak "A process for free-space laser communications system design", Proc. SPIE 7464, Free-Space Laser Communications IX, 74640V (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826256

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