KEYWORDS: Free space optics, Turbulence, Wireless communications, Visibility, Data transmission, Prototyping, Visibility through fog, Radio optics, Signal attenuation, Mass attenuation coefficient
The paper presents a construction of a wireless hybrid data link operates applying two transmission channels using optical radiation (FSO – Free Space Optics) and radio one (RF - Radio Frequency). Based on some parameters (e.g. laser power, optics aperture, photodetector detectivity, signal bandwidth, beam divergence) of the link components, its data range was determined for various operating conditions (visibility and turbulence). Preliminary tests of the link prototype (TRL 6) were carried out at the Military Communication Institute, Poland. The results showed that the use of FSO/RF technology systems can provide the increase in data transmission security, link availability, and immunity to intentional interference. Considering the features of this technology, high applicable potential to military activities was observed.
Military wireless communication systems provide services using radio transmission technologies. However, this technology is exposed to modern radio-electronic warfare devices. In some operational scenarios, an application of laser data link (Free Space Optics - FSO) makes it possible to increase data transmission reliability and security. Such capability could be obtain using so-called hybrid FSO/RF communication system. The development of optoelectronic devices (lasers and photodetectors) operated in the spectral range of 8 – 12 μm (Long Wavelength Infrared Radiation - LWIR) enabled to construct a new FSO link. Compared to currently used FSO systems operating in 700-900 nm (NIR) or 1300 – 1550 nm (SWIR) spectral ranges, this link is characterized by less sensitivity to atmospheric phenomena (fog, mists or turbulences) and by greater difficulty of detection. The performed analyses shown that the use of FSO/RF technology systems can provide increase in data transmission security, link availability, secretiveness of operation, and immunity to intentional interference. The paper presents virtues of some wireless communication technologies based on radio, optical and hybrid system configuration. The status of the research on FSO link operated at LWIR wavelength range is also described. This study has been performed in the frame of LasBITer project financed by The Polish National Center of Research and Development. The developed optical data link is a unique device in relation to the FSO technologies available today, because of its operation in LWIR spectrum using quantum cascade lasers and HgCdTe detectors. Scenario of FSO/RF data link works in military operation is also presented.
In this paper, the study of AlInAs/InGaAs/InP Quantum Cascade Lasers application in Free Space Optical data link is performed. Implementation of such FSO link operated in long-wavelength infrared (LWIR: 8-12 μm) will be unique for construction of so-called RF/FSO hybrid communication system. The range of longer wavelengths provides better data transfer performance in the case of severe weather conditions, especially, fog, low haze or air turbulence. In the frame of this work, series of QCLs for application in FSO system were examined. They are characterized by different geometries and constructions towards best performance in optical link systems operated in the wavelength range of 8-12 μm. The preliminary test of QCLs included electrical measurements of pulsed light-current-voltage characteristics and time-resolved spectra. The obtained results made it possible to determine operation point for FSO. Their modulation performances were tested using the laboratory laser drivers. Based on measurements, both power and time parameters of QCLs pulses were investigated. These results defined critical values for FSO system. The second part of the analysis concerned the spatial parameters of QCLs radiation. Knowledge of spatial characteristics of emission is vital for FSO optics construction. To characterize spatial properties of beams, far-field patterns of emission were registered. Finally, the obtained results made it possible to optimize the optical transmitter construction and further performance of FSO laboratory model. This research was supported by The Polish National Centre for Research and Development grant DOB-BIO8/01/01/2016.
The paper presents some aspects of approach to construct an optical detection system for laser absorption sensing. These aspects concern a designing procedure of the system, starting with a photodetector, preamplifier, and ending with a signal processing. There is also discussed a project of integrated preamplifier which can be applied in Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (CEAS). In the preamplifier, boxcar method was implemented using integrated circuit (IC) of switched integrator and a special synchronous block. Taking into account an idea of CEAS operation, selected methods of the exponential signal analyzing are described and tested. The main task of the methods is to determine decay time of this signal. The results of these tests make it possible to define some virtues of the designed boxcar technique that could be useful in CEAS sensing instrument.
A laboratory demonstrator of the optoelectronic sensor employing cavity enhanced spectroscopy has been designed to detect the trace amounts of carbon monoxide. High sensitivity of this sensor is provided by the use of optical cavity consisted of dielectric mirrors with extremely high reflectance. The instrument concept was taking into consideration the latest achievement of optoelectronic technology as a part of the ‘EDEN’ project, funded by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development. Preliminary tests using the sensor concept have shown that detection of carbon monoxide is possible using the developed devices. In this configuration, the sensor is characterized by high linear sensitivity in the concentration range of 10 ppb to 2.5 ppm.
The aim of this paper is to address some of the aspects of thermal management of QCLs. Results include electrical and spectral characterization of the devices. Results show shift of QCL emission mode towards lower wavenumbers during the pulse. Characteristics were registered at different temperatures of operation and driving conditions. Registered shift rates depend on operating temperature, being the highest at room temperature. Based on spectral tuning results, temperature increase rates for different modes of operations were evaluated, delivering information on thermal dynamics of investigated devices.
The article describes an application of cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy for nitric oxide and nitrous oxide
detection. Both oxides are important greenhouse gases that are of large influence on environment, living organisms and
human health. These compounds are also biomarkers of some human diseases. They determine the level of acid rain, and
can be used for characterization of specific explosive materials. Therefore the sensitive detectors of these gases are of
great importance for many applications: from routine air monitoring in industrial and intensive traffic areas, to detection
of explosives in airports, finally for medicine investigation, for health care, etc.
Our compact detection system provides opportunity for simultaneous measure of both NO and N2O concentration at ppb
level. Its sensitivity is comparable with sensitivities of instruments based on other methods, e.g. gas chromatography or
mass spectrometry.
The paper presents a model of a free space optical transmitter operating in the wavelength range of 8-12 μm. In the
transmitter, a quantum cascade laser controlled by a special driver was applied. The driver provides the control of the
energy, repetition rate and duration of radiation pulses. In the described transmitter, generation of pulses with high duty
cycle is also provided, making it possible to use the data link with either RZ or NRZ coding. In the frame of the study,
the impact of laser working conditions on the data link operation was determined.
The paper presents a construction and some investigations results of a new driver for quantum cascade (QC) lasers.
The driver is designed to control pulse and CW mode QC lasers. For both laser mode operations, there is the possibility
to set a laser current in the range of 0.1 A - 3 A and pulse duration of 30 ns at the frequencies to the level of 25 MHz.
The stabilization of the temperature in the range of 50°C ÷ -30°C with accuracy of 1.5 K is also achieved. A full
synchronization with external pulses makes the driver very useful in a construction of a free space optical transmission
system and of a laser spectroscopy setup.
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