Scattering effect on link range for a 10 Gbps free space optical communication system

A 10 Gbps free space optical communication (FSOC) system was demonstrated that implements a 1550 nm high dynamic range buffering modem and a 4 cm collimated beam mono-static telescope that provides autoacquisition and beam tracking with no external gimbal or secondary beacon [1,2]. The Harris/Space Photonics system operates at longer distances and in higher atmospheric turbulence than other commercial FSOC solutions, which enables avionic applications such as license free Gigabit optical wireless LAN extensions between airport terminals, control towers, and hangers. Besides atmospheric turbulence, another impact on link performance for FSOC systems is attenuation due to weather. Terrestrial links are susceptible to scattering particles from weather events such as fog, mist, haze, snow, and rain. This paper will provide link range predictions for the Harris/Space Photonics FSOC system in various weather conditions.