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Theory of Free-Space Optical (FSO) Communication Signal Propagation Through Atmospheric Channel

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Advanced Free Space Optics (FSO)

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Optical Sciences ((SSOS,volume 186))

Abstract

The goal of a communication system is to transmit information which can be accomplished in many ways. Free-space optical (FSO) technology depends on the propagation of optical beam through various media, which interact with and affect the quality of the propagating optical signal. The understanding of the atmospheric phenomena and how they affect the propagating light is essential in designing effective, intelligent and cost-efficient FSO links and reliable networks in order to provide uninterrupted service at the expected quality. FSO communication has increasingly attracted attention in the past decade for a number of applications for providing high bandwidth wireless communication links. Some of these applications include satellite-to-satellite cross-links, up-and-down links between space platforms and aircraft, ships, and other ground platforms, and among mobile or stationary terminals to solve the last mile problem through the atmosphere. However, there are a variety of deleterious features of the atmospheric channel that may lead to serious signal fading, and even the complete loss of signal altogether.

The atmosphere is composed of gas molecules, water vapor, aerosols, dust, and pollutants whose sizes are comparable to the wavelength of a typical optical carrier affecting the carrier wave propagation not common to a radio frequency (RF) system. Absorption and scattering due to particulate matter may significantly attenuate the transmitted optical signal, while the wave-front quality of a signal-carrying laser beam transmitting through the atmosphere can be severely degraded, causing intensity fading, increased bit error rates, and random signal losses at the receiver

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  1. 105 W. Mojave Rose Ave., 93555, Ridgecrest, CA, USA

    Arun K. Majumdar

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Majumdar, A. (2015). Theory of Free-Space Optical (FSO) Communication Signal Propagation Through Atmospheric Channel. In: Advanced Free Space Optics (FSO). Springer Series in Optical Sciences, vol 186. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0918-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0918-6_2

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