Free space laser telecommunication through fog

TL;DR

This paper introduces an active laser filament technique to enable free space optical communication through fog and clouds by clearing droplets, facilitating high data rate transmission for terrestrial and satellite applications.

Contribution

It presents the first active method using ultrashort laser filaments to clear fog and clouds, enhancing free space optical communication capabilities.

Findings

Laser filaments expel droplets to create clear channels

High bit rate data transmission achieved at 1.55 microns

Low energy requirement makes it suitable for satellite and ground applications

Abstract

Atmospheric clearness is a key issue for free space optical communications (FSO). We present the first active method to achieve FSO through clouds and fog, using ultrashort high intensity laser filaments. The laser filaments opto-mechanically expel the droplets out of the beam and create a cleared channel for transmitting high bit rate telecom data at 1.55 microns. The low energy required for the process allows considering applications to Earth-satellite FSO and secure ground based optical communication, with classical or quantum protocols.