Link budget and simulation of double-wavelength full-duplex free-space laser communication based on modulating retro-reflector

Abstract

Free-space optical communication (FSO) based on modulating retro-reflector (MRR) is beneficial for future wireless communication because of less power and weight. Double-wavelength full-duplex FSO system based on MRR is proposed. The link budget of distance and bit error rate (BER) are calculated for evaluating performance. Based on theoretical analysis, communication distance from 300 to 500 km can be achieved at received power from −30 to –40 dBm, and communication distance is estimated about 350 km when transmitted power is 37 dBm and BER is less than 10−9. A simulation model by Optisystem software is established for further study. The simulation results show that communication distance is estimated about 130 km with the same parameters. The simulation results are worse than theoretical analysis. The reason may be due to the all kinds of device noise and atmospheric effect in simulation model. In conclusion, the proposed system can be used in light-weight full-duplex laser communication in short distance. It may be one of the future development trends of FSO system.