Generation of multiple obstruction-free channels for free space optical communication

Abstract

Multi-filament structures produced by vortical high-power femtosecond pulses propagating through clouds and fog can simultaneously clear two channels with cylindrical and annular profile. We present a method to achieve Free Space Optical (FSO) communications through such highly scattering media by propagating appropriately shaped laser modes through these channels. As a proof of concept, we implemented a Laguerre-Gaussian beam as information signal carrier to demonstrate transmission of 543-nm CW laser beam through a 1-m long cloud chamber using both channels. The low power of the information signal in this experiment allows considering applications in Earth–satellite FSO communication.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 12, 2023
Source ID
10.1364/oe.477204

Entities

People

  • Igor Jovanovic
  • Megan L. Burger
  • Moussa N’Gom
  • Pascal Bassène
  • Saad Bin Ali Reza
  • T. Nutting

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • National Nuclear Security Administration
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • University of Michigan

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Optical Fiber Sensing and Electromagnetic Propagation.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster