Description:
- Free-space optical (FSO) communications
Abstract
USC researchers present a system to minimize turbulence interference in FSO communications. The method utilizes a frequency-offset Gaussian pilot tone transmitted along with the data signal, so that both undergo comparable turbulence and modal power coupling. Using a photodetector that optoelectronically mixes the corresponding signals to compensate for turbulence, the approach recovers nearly all of the captured data power of the signal.
Benefits
- Improved mixing efficiency and system performance
- Ameliorates effects of atmospheric turbulence
- Enables high-performance coherent FSO systems
Market Application
Free-space optical communications have emerged as an alternative to radio-like approaches for their increased data capacity and lower chance for interception. However, atmospheric turbulence limits FSO communications, particularly when implementing highly sensitive and spectrally efficient coherent detection.
Publications
Zhang, Runzhou, et al. "Turbulence-resilient pilot-assisted self-coherent free-space optical communications using automatic optoelectronic mixing of many modes." Nature Photonics 15.10 (2021): 743-750. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-021-00877-w
Stage of Development
- Prototype developed and tested
- Available for licensing