Laser communications: From terrestrial broadband to deep-space

In response to an ever increasing demand for higher bandwidth, the free space optical (laser) communications technology has now matured to the point that is has commenced commercial use in Earth orbit at multi-Gb/s data-rates, and is on the verge of being demonstrated for the first time from other planets. This technology has long been used in terrestrial multi Gb/s data-rate links. The talk will provide an overview of state-of-the-art in technology implemented in terrestrial broadband links, and spacecraft telecommunications from near-Earth to deep space at unprecedented data-rates.