Design of a Motion Table for Experimental Verification of Pointing Error in FSO Systems

Free space optical (FSO) communication systems use near-infrared wavelength laser transmitters for wireless transmission. With their large bandwidth, high data rate and license free spectrum, FSO systems have become popular in recent years. Various factors might affect the performance of an FSO communication system. In addition to atmospheric turbulence-induced fading, FSO links are subject to fading resulting from pointing errors. To experimentally investigate the effects of pointing error, a multi-axis capable motion platform (XYZ Table) is designed and manufactured in this study. Axes on the XYZ table are controlled via Labview through a programmable logic controller (PLC). With this platform FSO pointing error was experimentally measured and verified against theoretical models for various motion parameters.