Experimental demonstration of ultraviolet pulse broadening in short-range non-line-of-sight communication channels

An experimental test-bed using a narrow-pulsed ultraviolet (UV) laser and high-bandwidth photomultiplier tube was set up to characterize pulse broadening effects in short-range non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scattering communication channels. Pulse broadening is reported as a function of the transmitter elevation angle, transmitter beam angle, receiver elevation angle, receiver field-of-view, and transmitter-receiver distance. The results provide insight into the channel bandwidth and achievable communication data rate.