This title provides a comprehensive, unified tutorial covering the most recent advances in the emerging technology of free-space optics (FSO), a field in which interest and attention continue to grow along with the number of new challenges. This book is intended as an all-inclusive source to serve the needs of those who require information about the fundamentals of FSO, as well as up-to-date advanced knowledge of the state-of-the-art in the technologies available today. This text is intended for graduate students, and will also be useful for research scientists and engineers with an interest in the field. FSO communication is a practical solution for creating a three dimensional global broadband communications grid, offering bandwidths far beyond what is possible in the Radio Frequency (RF) range. However, the attributes of atmospheric turbulence and scattering impose perennial limitations on availability and reliability of FSO links. From a systems point-of-view, this groundbreaking book provides a thorough understanding of channel behavior, which can be used to design and evaluate optimum transmission techniques that operate under realistic atmospheric conditions. Topics addressed include: • FSO Physical and Statistical Models: Single/Multiple Inputs/Outputs • Understanding FSO: Theory and Systems Analysis • Modulation and Coding for Free-Space Optical Channels • Atmospheric Mitigation and Compensation for FSO Links • Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) Ultraviolet and Indoor FSO Communications • FSO Platforms: UAV and Mobile • Retromodulators for Free Space Data links • Hybrid Optical RF Communications • Free-space and Atmospheric Quantum Communications • Other related topics: Chaos-based and Terahertz (THz) FSO Communications

Annotation First book on Free Space Optics (FSO) in the marketplace. Comprehensive book that covers fundamentals through benefits and deployment pit falls. First comprehensive book about FSO, written by two experts in the field. Explores FSO as an alternative to cable and fiber as last-mile solutions. Enables readers to maximize the benefits of FSO and anticipate potential deployment pitfalls. Free Space Optics begins with the fundamentals of the technology before launching into FSO topologies, deployment issues, applications, and case studies. Baksheesh Ghuman is Vice President of Marketing at LightPointe Communications, Inc. Ghuman has worked in optical and telecommunications for over 12 years, focusing on marketing, product development, and applications engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from Golden State University, San Franscisco. Dr. Heinz Willebrand is Chief Technology Officer of LightPointe Communications where he leads all of LightPointe's R&D activities in the field of free space wireless RF and high-speed optical laser communication systems. Prior to LightPointe, Dr. Willebrand was a research professor at the University of Boulder, Colorado, where he taught classes on fiber optic and wireless technologies and researched areas such as fiber optics and high-speed computer interconnections.

This book provides an in-depth understanding of free space optical (FSO) communication with a particular emphasis on optical beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence. The book is structured in such a way that it provides a basic framework for the beginners and also gives a concise description from a designer’s perspective. The book provides an exposure to FSO technology, fundamental limitations, design methodologies, system trade-offs, acquisition, tracking and pointing (ATP) techniques and link-feasibility analysis. The contents of this book will be of interest to professionals and researchers alike. The book may also be used as a textbook for engineering coursework and professional training.

Free Space Optical (FSO) Communication uses light propagation in free space (air, outer space, and vacuum) to wirelessly transmit data for telecommunications and communication networking. FSO Communication is a key wireless and high-bandwidth technology for high speed large-capacity terrestrial and aerospace communications, which is often chosen as a complement or alternative to radio frequency communication. The propagating optical wave can be influenced negatively by random atmospheric changes such as wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and pressure, thermal expansion, earthquakes, and high-rise buildings. This edited book covers the principles, challenges, methodologies, techniques, and applications of Free Space Optical Communication for an audience of engineers, researchers, scientists, designers, and advanced students.

Combines theory with real-world case studies to give a comprehensive overview of modern optical wireless technology.

Proceedings of SPIE present the original research papers presented at SPIE conferences and other high-quality conferences in the broad-ranging fields of optics and photonics. These books provide prompt access to the latest innovations in research and technology in their respective fields. Proceedings of SPIE are among the most cited references in patent literature.