Free-space Optical Links Research Articles

Simplified Self-Coherent FSO Transmission Boosted by Digital Resolution Enhancer

The joint application of free-space optics (FSO) transmission with coherent detection has recently appeared to enable unprecedented optical wireless capacity. Nevertheless, due to the associated cost and power consumption, simplified self-coherent FSO links are currently being explored to optimize the performance vs. complexity tradeoff. In particular, the utilization of low-complexity virtual carrier self-coherent transmission provides an appealing cost-effective alternative for high-capacity FSO links. However, this transmission paradigm is associated with quantization noise problems due to limited digital-to-analog converter (DAC) resolution. Following all the stated requirements, this work presents a simplified virtual carrier-assisted self-coherent FSO link supported by a low-resolution DAC and Nyquist rate phase reconstruction using the DC-Value algorithm. The utilization of such a low-resolution DAC is aided by a digital resolution enhancement (DRE) method. Employing this simplified self-coherent approach, we experimentally demonstrated 100 Gbps FSO transmission over an outdoor 42 m link using a DAC with resolution as low as 3 bits.

Hybrid FSO/RF system over proposed random dust attenuation model based on real-time data combined with G–G atmospheric turbulence

Free-space optical (FSO) communication links are thought to be most negatively impacted by fog and sandstorms. Several probabilistic models for signal attenuation in various types of fog have been proposed in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, there is no prior probabilistic signal attenuation model for dusty channels. As a result, in this study, we analyse the probabilistic behaviour of the FSO channel during sandstorms using real-time data from the Egyptian Meteorological Authority and propose the negative-exponential (NE) distribution as a novel statistical model for signal attenuation in dust. A probability distribution function (PDF) is then derived for the random dust channel state. Also, a closed-form channel state distributional formulation is derived for a stochastic FSO channel model that considers both dust effects and Gamma–Gamma (G–G) atmospheric turbulence-induced fading. Next, closed formulas are derived for both the average bit-error rate (BER) and outage probability for the FSO system operating in this channel environment. Using the forms derived, it can be shown that the dust storm has a significant impact on the system’s performance. Finally, to overcome this degradation, we suggest utilizing a hybrid FSO and radio frequency (RF) wireless communication system. The received signals are combined using the well-known diversity selection combining (SC) technique. Further, the hybrid system’s performance was compared to that of an FSO-only system.

Cross-layer modeling and analysis of TCP communications over turbulent FSO links

This paper addresses the accurate characterization of the performance of transmission control protocol (TCP) for end-to-end transport services over free-space optical (FSO) links. Unlike previous works on this topic, we introduce a second-order Markovian assumption for the variation of the TCP congestion window to capture the memory from turbulence channels and further propose a Markov chain model that maps two consecutive congestion windows along time into the state space to interpret TCP operations. The analytical expression of steady-state probability distribution vector of the proposed model in general cases where relay routers exist behind the TCP connection is derived, based on which the throughput efficiency of TCP is formulated. The high accuracy of the proposed model is verified by Monte-Carlo simulations and experiments. We further analyze the impact of different link/channel parameters on the TCP performance, and discuss briefly the effectiveness of bundle protocol-based schemes for improving the performance of FSO networks from a transport layer perspective.

Energy-Efficient Emerging Optical Wireless Links

In recent years, the tremendous increase in data traffic carried by wireless communication networks has generated the urgent need for establishing more energy-efficient wireless communication systems. Recent advances in semiconductor and light devices have triggered remarkable research interest to the development of these optical wireless communication (OWC) links. Among them, free-space optical (FSO) links and, more recently, ultraviolet links which operate within the (UV-C) spectral band, have been considered as prime candidates to create both high speed and power effective line-of-sight (LOS) and non-light-of-sight (NLOS) free-air communication links, respectively. Moreover, transdermal optical wireless (TOW) links for telemetry with medical implants minimize the expense of power for the implant. In the current review, a background on the energy efficiency challenges in wireless communication is presented. Each of these OWC technologies is mainly discussed in terms of key energy consumption requirements and major limiting factors that affect their power performance. Energy-efficient modulation formats as well as other powerful techniques for performance enhancement such as diversity and relaying are assessed. The survey is concluded with a discussion regarding their future energy consumption requirements and trends.

Performance Analysis of UAV-Assisted Hybrid FSO/RF Communication Systems under Various Weather Conditions.

Nowadays, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication systems are commonly considered as one of the key enabling technologies for 6G. The hybrid free space optical (FSO)/radio frequency (RF) system has the advantages of both FSO and RF links to improve communication system performance, and the relay-assisted system adopts multi-hop transmission and cooperative diversity methods to extend communication coverage. Thus, a joint consideration of UAV-assistedUAV assisted relay in hybrid FSO/RF transmission is meaningful. In this paper, we aim to analyze the performance of UAV-assisted multi-hop parallel hybrid FSO/RF communication systems with and without pointing errors (PE) in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER) and outage probability. In our considered system, the FSO sub-link adopts the Exponential Weibull turbulence model and the RF sub-link suffers the Nakagami fading model. With these, new mathematical formulas of both BER and outage probability are derived under the UAV-assisted hybrid FSO/RF with different modulation methods. Through numerical evaluationnumerical simulations, the performances of UAV-assisted hybrid FSO/RF systems are analyzed under different weather conditions, modulation methods, optical receiver aperture, RF fading parameters, pointing errors, and relay structures. The results demonstrate that (1) compared to hybrid FSO/RF direct links, UAV-assisted hybrid FSO/RF systems can further improve system performance; (2) the performance of UAV-assisted hybrid FSO/RF systems varies with different relay structures; (3) large receiver aperture and RF fading parameters can further improve the communication performance of hybrid FSO/RF direct links and UAV-assisted hybrid FSO/RF systems.

Effects of Eavesdropper on the Performance of Mixed $\eta$–$\mu$ and DGG Cooperative Relaying System

Free-space optical (FSO) channels offer line-of-sight wireless communication with high data rates utilizing unlicensed optical spectrum. The hybrid radio frequency (RF)–FSO system is currently receiving a great deal of research interest because atmospheric turbulence prevents enhanced secrecy performance. Except for the double generalized gamma (DGG) model, traditional FSO models typically are unable to show secrecy performance across all turbulence severity ranges. Due to this, we propose a dual-hop <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta$</tex-math></inline-formula> – <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula> and unified DGG mixed RF–FSO network while taking into account the following three different eavesdropping scenarios: 1) the eavesdropper is at the RF link; 2) the eavesdropper is at the FSO link; and 3) both eavesdroppers remains active simultaneously. These proposed scenarios' security is examined in terms of the probability, of strictly positive secrecy capacity, secure outage probability and effective secrecy throughput, and further investigation is done into the implications of various system settings on the secrecy performance. The analysis shows that, when compared to the other two scenarios, the third scenario exhibits the worst secrecy condition. Intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) and heterodyne detection (HD) approaches are compared, with HD outperforming IM/DD in terms of secrecy performance. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are used to confirm all analytical findings.

Reconfigurable intelligent surface-assisted free-space optical communication link for theSatellite-Internet of Things.

The Satellite-Internet of Things (S-IoT) is envisaged as one of the promising technological enhancements in this decade due to its outright connectivity, especially in the areas of terrestrial communication and weather forecasting. Invariably, turbulent atmospheric conditions and varied terrain profiles are hindrances for satellite based free-space optical (FSO) communication, and immensely disrupt signal levels. Recently, a new technological invention called a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) empowered radio transmission environments for next generation wireless/optical technology has emerged. Elements of RIS are used to intelligently tune the striking beam towards desired locations. In this paper, we propose an RIS based FSO link to manueuver S-IoT. The challenges of pointing errors and turbulent atmospheric connectivity from a satellite to ground station and vice versa with the cooperation of RIS have been derived and substantiated with closed form solutions. The proposed system's performance has been analyzed using packet and bit error rates, and outage probability over atmospheric turbulence, pointing errors, and signal blockage scenarios. Results are evaluated for different RIS elements as a function of average signal to noise ratio. The proposed system is extremely productive, since this scheme has the capability to provide dependable connectivity in rural, urban, and suburban environments where reliable connectivity is difficult in spite of traditional infrastructures.

Estimation of intelligent-based quality of service in terrestrial FSO links: A case of South Africa propagation paths

Free Space Optical (FSO) communication is one of the popular technologies’ dominants in the optical communication domain. Despite all the advantages, FSO links are grossly affected by severe atmospheric conditions such as fog, rain, snow, smoke, and dust or aerosol particles suspended in the air. Fog is one of the major challenges for free-space optics to achieve carrier-class availability and causes extreme attenuation. A 10-year (2010––2019) visibility data were obtained from the South African Weather Services (SAWS) with a special focus on Cape Town (–33.925° S, 18.424° E). This extracted and processed Cape Town data was used to estimate the needed fog-induced attenuation. The intelligent algorithm is rooted in the theory of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) systems which intelligently control the sub-tropical climate conditions of the chosen region. The adopted network-based technique is capable to interact with ever-changing weather by generating appropriate improvements to the free space optical communication link quality of service for efficient services to the customers. In this study, an Intelligent Algorithm (IA) based on an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has been utilized to improve the reliability of QoS that can satisfy customer SLAs and improve received signal over FSO communications. The results obtained by implementing the IA system indicates that the power transmitted range from 8 to 100 dB and the adjusted Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) between 390–––420 dB at 650 nm optical wavelength, whereas the same trend could be observed when the optical wavelength of 1550 nm was applied. Subsequently, the model effectively estimated the automatic transmit power control for enhancement in SNR and resulting in better QoS at the receiving end, regardless of the related weather changes along with the transmission link.

Availability of Free-Space Laser Communication Link with the Presence of Clouds in Tropical Regions

Free-space laser communication (lasercom), a great application of using free-space optics (FSO) for satellite communication, has been gaining significant attraction. However, despite of great potential of lasercom, its performance is limited by the adverse effects of atmospheric turbulence and cloud attenuation, which directly affect the quality and availability of lasercom links. The paper, therefore, concentrates on evaluating the cloud attenuation in the FSO downlinks between satellite and ground stations in tropical regions. The meteorological ERA-Interim database provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) from 2015 to 2020 is used to get the cloud database in several areas in tropical regions. This study proposed a novel probability density function of cloud attenuation, which is validated by using a well-known curve-fitting method. Moreover, we derive a closed-form of satellite-based FSO link availability by applying the site diversity technique to improve the system performance. Numerical results, which demonstrate the urgency of the paper, reveal that the impact of clouds on tropical regions is more severe than in temperate regions.

FSO-5G Networks with Enhanced Throughput, Reliability and Low Latency

Due to the necessity for high-speed and reliable communication, the combination of Free Space Optics (FSO) and 5G wireless networks has received substantial attention in recent years. However, atmospheric turbulence can significantly damage the quality of the FSO link, leading to high error rates and poor reliability. In this paper, a concatenated dynamic coding approach has been proposed and presented to limit the effects of atmospheric turbulence, hence increasing the overall reliability and security of FSO-5G networks. The proposed strategy combines various coding algorithms in FSO-5G networks to improve error correction, minimise latency, and increase throughput. The proposed approach's performance was examined using simulation and compared to other traditional coding systems.

Π-ML: a dimensional analysis-based machine learning parameterization of optical turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer.

Turbulent fluctuations of the atmospheric refraction index, so-called optical turbulence, can significantly distort propagating laser beams. Therefore, modeling the strength of these fluctuations (C n2) is highly relevant for the successful development and deployment of future free-space optical communication links. In this Letter, we propose a physics-informed machine learning (ML) methodology, Π-ML, based on dimensional analysis and gradient boosting to estimate C n2. Through a systematic feature importance analysis, we identify the normalized variance of potential temperature as the dominating feature for predicting C n2. For statistical robustness, we train an ensemble of models which yields high performance on the out-of-sample data of R2 = 0.958 ± 0.001.

Bootstrapped low complex iterative LDPC decoding algorithms for free-space optical communication links

In recent years, much research has been devoted to free-space optical communication (FSO). The unregulated spectrum, low implementation costs, and robust security of FSO systems all are of great importance which lead to a wide range of applications for FSO links, from terrestrial communications to satellite communications. However, the fundamental limitation with FSO links is atmospheric turbulence (AT) caused by fading, significantly reducing link performance. Random phenomena are the best characteristic of atmospheric turbulence caused by changes in the air’s refractive index over time. Numerous probability density functions of the AT models were presented to model the randomness in AT channels. The Log-Normal (LN) channel model is for weak atmospheric turbulence, while the Gamma–Gamma (G–G) channel is selected for moderate and strong atmospheric turbulence. The impacts of geometric losses, attenuation due to weather, and errors due to misalignment are addressed using LN and G–G channels. Channel coding is one of the possible solutions for mitigating such FSO channel impairments as the low-density parity check (LDPC) codes. In this article, the Weighted Bit Flipping (Algorithm (1)), Implementation Efficient Reliability Ratio Weighted Bit Flipping (Algorithm (2)), and Min-Sum (Algorithm (3)) algorithms are compared and evaluated against FSO atmospheric turbulence channels. In addition, two novel algorithms are proposed to enhance the complexity or Bit Error Rate performance of LDPC decoding over FSO channels. The results showed an impressive improvement of the coded FSO system by employing the proposed algorithms compared to the existing LDPC decoders for FSO communications from the point of all comparison parameters.

Investigation of 2.24Tbps full-duplex integrated multi-beam FSO/MDM-next generation PON under diverse atmospheric conditions

A full-duplex 2.24Tbps mode division multiplexing (MDM) based integrated multi-beam free space optics (FSO) and next generation passive optical network (NGPON) system to mitigate the atmospheric turbulence and fiber dispersion with enhanced network scalability as well as efficiency is proposed. In emergency scenarios the utilization of polarization shift keying (PolSK) and dual polarization (DP)-differential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation in system offers high spectral efficiency, coherent detection, minimum link dispersion and less noise. The simulation results demonstrate the faithful MDM-FSO/NGPON signals transmission over 40 km fiber with 500 m multi-beam FSO links at −8 dBm received power and 2 dB maximum power penalty. Also, the maximum fiber & FSO range can be expanded upto 160 km and 1500 m respectively, considering fiber impairments and diverse weather conditions. The system also supports simultaneous 200 end users having 23–47 dB total channel loss. High optical to signal noise ratio of 36 dB in downlink and 44 dB in uplink is acquired successfully. The comparison of the designed system with other systems signifies its superiority to others.

Novel coding schemes for dual wavelength quantum cascade laser‐based free space optical links

AbstractDual wavelength quantum cascade lasers (DW‐QCLs) are a type of semiconductor laser that can emit two different wavelengths of light simultaneously. They are constructed using quantum cascade structures, consisting of multiple layers of semiconductor materials carefully engineered to produce the desired wavelengths of light. This research article reports the numerical simulation and evaluation of the maximum capacity of free space optical (FSO) link employing novel coding schemes for DW‐QCL‐based pulsed optical transmitters. A 48‐stage DW‐QCL emitting at 10.5 and 8.9 μm wavelengths and a Quantum‐Well based Infrared Photodetector based receiver are considered for the study. The performance of the link is analyzed under short pulse transmission from the device at both wavelengths for various scenarios. Optical pulses are obtained either at a single wavelength or two different wavelengths by proper choice of electrical input current amplitude. This feature enables the implementation of four different coding schemes. Among the various coding approaches proposed, the scheme, which operates on symbols, performs the best, providing a maximum link length of 1700m, for a BER of 10−9.

Analysis on the performance of pointing error effects for RIS-aided FSO link over gamma-gamma channels

In this study, we analysis on the performance of pointing error effects for reconfigurable intelligent surfeces (RISs) aided free-space optical (FSO) communication link over moderate to strong atmospheric turbulence channels. Among these solutions, RISs are considered as hardware technology to improve performance of optical wireless communication systems. Performance evaluation of systems is affected by atmospheric attenuation, pointing errors and moderate to strong atmospheric turbulence channels for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technique. Atmospheric turbulence channel from moderate to strong is modeled using gamma-gamma distribution. Several numerical results obtained the average symbol error rate (ASER) performance versus beam waist radius and signal to noise ratio for three value of pointing error displacement standard deviation. From the results, it is show that with RIS assisted can effectively improve the performance and link distance of the wireless communication systems.

FSO-Based Space-Air-Ground Integrated Vehicular Networks: Cooperative HARQ With Rate Adaptation

Space-air-ground integrated vehicular networks (SAGIVN) have been widely envisioned as a promising network architecture for 6 G to support the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). In SAGIVN, free-space optics (FSO)-based, high altitude platform (HAP) relay-assisted low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems have recently attracted research efforts worldwide. Critical challenges in designing and implementing FSO-based SAGIVN include atmospheric turbulence, weather conditions, and pointing misalignment. This paper offers a comprehensive cross-layer design framework of error-control protocols with rate adaptation for FSO burst transmissions in HAP-aided SAGIVN. Remarkably, we propose a design of link-layer cooperative incremental redundancy (IR) hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)-based sliding window mechanism. An analytical channel model for HAP-aided LEO satellite to emerging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) FSO links is provided. At the same time, the analysis can also be applied to other kinds of vehicles. The queuing behavior induced by both the cooperative IR-HARQ protocol and the rate adaptation scheme is analyzed with a Markov model. Several performance metrics are analytically obtained, including the average round-trip frame delay, throughput, and energy efficiency. The results quantitatively demonstrate the impact of atmospheric turbulence and weather conditions on the system performance and support the optimal selection of system parameters. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed system is numerically confirmed. Monte Carlo simulations are also performed to validate the accuracy of theoretical derivations.

Combined Photobleaching and Temperature Effects on 1550 nm Radiation-Induced Attenuation of Germanosilicate Optical Fiber

Combined temperature and photobleaching (PB) effects on the 1550 nm radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) levels and kinetics of a commercial Ge-doped single-mode optical fiber have been investigated. The main goal of this study was to evaluate if synergetic effects could impact the performances of free space optical communication links in space. For this, we performed accelerated (0.5 Gy(SiO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> )/s) irradiation runs with 100 kV X rays up to the total ionizing dose of 150 kGy(SiO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> ), varying the irradiation temperature between -80 °C and 80 °C. First, we evaluate the irradiation temperature effects: infrared RIA largely increases at negative temperatures. Second, the effects of injecting different optical powers at the different temperatures have been characterized: if at temperatures exceeding room temperature (RT), PB effects are almost negligible, a PB effect is clearly observable at lower temperatures where the germanosilicate optical fiber present large RIA levels due to the contribution of metastable defects absorbing at 1550 nm. Increasing the injected powers allows reducing the concentration of these radiation-induced unstable defects, but not as much as thermal treatment consecutive to the irradiation. These results highlight the complex physics of radiation induced defects absorbing at 1550 nm in Ge-doped optical fiber, but also the vulnerability of this class of fiber for space telecommunication links. Regarding the unstable nature of point defects causing the RIA at lower temperature, it seems possible to mitigate the loss excess by thermal cycles at RT or higher temperatures. We also could expect that our accelerated tests represent a worst-case scenario in terms of RIA levels at the maximum dose.

Performance evaluation of re-configurable intelligent surface-assisted underwater and free-space wireless optical communication in the skip-zones

Note that 40% of the world’s population, i.e., three billion people, live within 100 km of the ocean or seashore surfaces. To explore and experience marine life, human activities in ocean-based environments are increasing day-by-day. To make human activities safer and stronger, highly efficient and reliable wireless communication is crucial for conveying any unnatural things that occur in oceans. Exploring the vast environment is difficult because of its rapidly changing characteristics, which creates various levels of skip-zone, resulting in the loss of information. A re-configurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted optical link is employed to mitigate the effects of skip-zones and enable high-speed and efficient communication links. In addition to this, it is also necessary to convey information to the coastal line through a RIS-assisted free-space optical (FSO) link. In this study, we propose a RIS-assisted dual-hop underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC)-FSO communication system. For the proposed RIS-based dual-hop UWOC-FSO system, closed-form expressions for the outage probability (OP), bit error rate (BER) for coherent and non-coherent type binary phase-shift keying, binary frequency shift keying modulation schemes are derived and results are corroborated with the Monte-Carlo simulations and asymptotic analysis.

Analysis on the performance of reconfigurable intelligent surface-aided free-space optical link under atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Free-space optical (FSO) communication can provide the cost-efficient, secure, high data-rate communication links required for applications. For example, it provides broadband internet access and backhauling for the fifth-generation (5G) and the sixth-generation (6G) communication networks. However, previous solutions to deal with signal loss caused by obstructions and atmospheric turbulence. In these solutions, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are considered hardware technology to improve the performance of optical wireless communication systems. This study investigates the pointing error effects for RIS-aided FSO links under atmospheric turbulence channels. We analyze the performance of RIS-aided FSO links influenced by pointing errors, atmospheric attenuation, and turbulence for the subcarrier quadrature amplitude modulation (SC-QAM) technique. Atmospheric turbulence is modeled using log-normal distribution for weak atmospheric turbulence. Several numerical outcomes obtained for different transmitter beam waist radius and pointing error displacement standard deviation are shown to quantitatively illustrate the average symbol error rate (ASER).&lt;/span&gt;

Securing Non-Terrestrial FSO Link with Public Key Encryption Against Flying Object Attacks

Free Space Optical (FSO) communication has potential terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications. It allows large bandwidth for higher data transfer capacity. Due to its high directivity, it has a potential security advantage over traditional radio frequency (RF) communications. However, eavesdropping attacks are still possible in long non-terrestrial transmission FSO links, where the geometry of the link allows foreign flying objects such as Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones to interrupt the links. This exposes non-terrestrial FSO links to adversary security attacks. Hence, data security techniques implementation is required to achieve immune FSO communication links. Unlike the commonly proposed physical layer security techniques, this paper presents a lab-based demonstration of a secured FSO communication link based on data cryptography using the GNU Radio platform and software-defined radio (SDR) hardware. The utilized encryption algorithm (Xsalsa20) in this paper requires high-time complexity to be broken by power-limited flying objects that interrupt the FSO beam. The results show that implementing cryptographic encryption techniques into FSO systems provided resilience against eavesdropping attacks and preserved data security. The experiment results show that, at a distance of 250 mm and laser output power of 10 mW, the system achieves a packet delivery rate of 92% and transmission rate of 10 Mbit/s. This is because the SDR used in this experiment requires a minimum received electrical amplitude of 27.5 mV to process the received signal. Long distance and higher data rates can be achieved using less sensitive SDR hardware.