Optical communications without line-of-sight

Matthew S. Warden; Loyd McKnight; Haochang Chen; Rachel Elvin

doi:10.1117/12.3002560

13 March 2024 Optical communications without line-of-sight

Matthew S. Warden, Loyd McKnight, Haochang Chen, Rachel Elvin

Proceedings Volume 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI; 128770A (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3002560
Event: SPIE LASE, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

A novel technique that for the first time enables practical free-space optical communications without line-of-sight over multi-kilometer distances is proposed. The method is based upon detection of light from a transmitted laser beam that is scattered from the atmosphere. This is received using single photon detectors, using spatial, spectral, and temporal approaches for filtering out the strong daytime light background signal. Laboratory tests are reported that indicate the feasibility of the proposed method. Communication across a lab bench using 16-PPM (pulse position modulation) encoding is reported. The modest data rate of 4 kbit/s that was obtained can be increased using optimized hardware choices. Performance outdoors at multi-km ranges is estimated using an experimentally verified model, with data rates of 100 kbit/s over a distance of 10 km estimated to be achievable.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Matthew S. Warden, Loyd McKnight, Haochang Chen, and Rachel Elvin "Optical communications without line-of-sight", Proc. SPIE 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI, 128770A (13 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3002560

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