Free-Space Optical Communications Link at 1550-nm using Multiple-Quantum-Well Modulating Retroreflectors in a Marine Environment

Abstract

A 1550-nm eye-safe, free-space optical communications link is demonstrated at rates up to 5 Mbits/s over a distance of 2 km in the Chesapeake Bay, using quantum-well-based modulating retroreflectors. Tests are conducted under various atmospheric conditions over a time period of about a year. The experimental and theoretical link budgets are compared and statistical measurements of the effects of scintillation are collected.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA462152

Entities

People

  • C. I. Moore
  • G. Charmaine Gilbreath
  • H. R. Burris
  • J. L. Witkowsky
  • L. Swingen
  • M. F. Stell
  • M. J. Vilcheck
  • P. G. Goetz
  • R. Mahon
  • Williams S. Rabinovich

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Temperature
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Data Rate
  • Data Sets
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Free-Space Optical Communications
  • Lasers
  • Modulation
  • Modulators
  • Near Field
  • Optical Communications
  • Probability
  • Quantum Wells
  • Refractive Index
  • Retroreflectors
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Science - Quantum Key Distribution
  • Space