Abstract

Free-space optical (FSO) systems are able to offer the high data-rate, secure, and cost-efficient communication links required for applications such as wireless front- and backhauling for 5G and 6G communication networks. Despite the substantial advancement of FSO systems over the past decades, the requirement of a line-of-sight connection between transmitter and receiver remains a key limiting factor for their deployment. In this article, we discuss the potential role of intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) as a solution to relax this requirement. We present an overview of existing optical IRS technologies; compare optical IRSs with radio frequency IRSs and optical relays; and identify various open problems for future research on IRS-assisted FSO communications.

Highlights

  • Free space optical (FSO) systems are a promising candidate to support the high data-rate requirements of the generation of wireless systems and beyond [1]

  • FSO systems can be deployed faster and more cost efficient compared to optical fiber links, while being able to offer data rates on the order of several Gbps at a lower cost and less equipment weight compared to their radio-frequency (RF) counterparts [2], [3]

  • The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs)-assisted FSO communications and identify the corresponding open research problems from a communicationtheoretical point-of-view

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Free space optical (FSO) systems are a promising candidate to support the high data-rate requirements of the generation of wireless systems and beyond [1]. FSO systems are inherently secure and interference-free thanks to their narrow laser beams These properties have made FSO systems an attractive option for satellite, drone/balloon, and terrestrial communications for wireless front- and backhauling [1]–[3]. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of IRS-assisted FSO communications and identify the corresponding open research problems from a communicationtheoretical point-of-view. To this end, we first introduce the main technologies available in the literature for the realization of optical IRSs and discuss their basic operating principles, their advantages, and limitations. We present various potential directions for future research on IRS-assisted FSO systems including problems related to channel modeling, system design, performance analysis, and implementation

OPTICAL REFLECTING SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES
Channel Modeling
CONCLUSIONS

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