BER Analysis of a Deep Space Optical Communication System Based on SNSPD over Double Generalized Gamma Channel

Abstract

Optical communication has a broad prospect in deep space communication. The mechanism and the asymptotic dark count estimate of superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) are introduced. Considering the detector bias current, an average bit error expression is established based on SNSPD and pulse position modulation optical communication system over Double Generalized Gamma channel firstly. Numerical results show that both the bias current and the atmospheric turbulence intensity have influence on the BER performance. The uncoded BER can achieve 10-5 in 32-PPM scheme with Ibias/Iv = 0.85 when SNR = 8 dB under weak atmospheric turbulence. This work can be utilized in deep space optical communication and benefits downlink communication system design.