Technologies and Applications of Free-Space Optical Communication and Space Optical Information Network

Free-space optical communication and space optical information network offer many more superiorities over optical fiber, RF, or microwaves communication techniques, with higher data transfer rate, smaller platforms to launch and lower costs. A comprehensive overview on the architectures of the space high-speed optical information network was provided. In fundamental system, networking approach and operation mechanisms of the space optical information network were fully emphasized to be discussed a lot. The interactions of light waves and microwave network have been outlined. A blueprint for space optical information network technology is presented to be used in various communication fields in the future.