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Transmission of Multiple Signals through an Optical Fiber Using Wavefront Shaping
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Reconfigurable beam system for non-line-of-sight free-space optical communication.
Zizheng Cao1, Xuebing Zhang1, Gerwin Osnabrugge2
11Institute for Photonic Integration, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Light, Science & Applications
|October 25, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a novel reconfigurable beam-shaping system for energy-efficient non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical communication. The system achieves a record 30-Gbit/s data rate over a diffused optical wireless link using advanced wavefront shaping.
Area of Science:
- Optical Communications
- Wireless Networking
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication is crucial for overcoming obstacles in free-space optical links.
- Traditional NLOS methods suffer from low efficiency and data rates.
- Diffuse reflection offers a potential pathway for robust optical wireless communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an energy-efficient reconfigurable beam-shaping system for NLOS free-space optical communication.
- To enhance signal reception by optimizing light distribution on diffuse surfaces.
- To demonstrate high-speed data transmission in a synthetic NLOS environment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a coherent array optical transmitter (CAO-Tx) for spatial wavefront shaping.
- Employing wavefront shaping to maximize diffusely reflected light reaching the receiver.
- Conducting synthetic NLOS experiments with signal reflection over a 20° angular range.
Main Results:
- Achieved a record-breaking 30-Gbit/s data transmission rate.
- Demonstrated a >17-dB signal gain over a diffused optical wireless link.
- Successfully steered light around obstacles using the reconfigurable beam-shaping system.
Conclusions:
- The proposed reconfigurable beam-shaping system enables efficient and high-speed NLOS free-space optical communication.
- Wavefront shaping significantly improves the amount of light reaching the receiver from diffuse surfaces.
- This technology paves the way for more robust and versatile optical wireless networks.
