Wavefront compensation simulation of modulating retroreflector free-space optical link utilizing micro corner-cube-reflector arrays

The wavefront compensation effect of the micro corner-cube-reflector arrays (MCCRAs) in modulating retroreflector (MRR) free-space optical (FSO) link is investigated by wave-optics (WO) simulation method that is based on the split-step beam propagation method and phase screen theory. Two kinds of the MCCRAs with the cell's apertures of the triangle and hexagon are considered with the aid of the numerical ray-tracing approach. Integrating the reflection phase of the MCCRAs into WO simulations, the double-pass propagation of light beam through the turbulent atmosphere is simulated to study the characteristics of the returned optical beam. We find the spread spot of the optical beam reflected from the MCCRAs is rather convergent as compared with that reflected from a single corner cube reflector. Hence, we draw a conclusion that the MCCRAs can in principle yield a powerful wavefront compensation in MRR FSO communication links.