A review of the information capacity of single-mode free-space optical communication

Baris I. Erkmen; Bruce E. Moision; Kevin M. Birnbaum

doi:10.1117/12.843542

26 February 2010 A review of the information capacity of single-mode free-space optical communication

Baris I. Erkmen, Bruce E. Moision, Kevin M. Birnbaum

Proceedings Volume 7587, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXII; 75870N (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.843542
Event: SPIE LASE, 2010, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We provide a summary of the classical information capacity of single-mode free-space optical communication for pure-loss channels. We compare the capacities afforded by structured transmitters and receivers to that of the ultimate communication capacity dictated by the quantum nature of light, and we draw the following conclusions. The ultimate capacity can be achieved with classical coherent states (i.e., ideal laser light), but the capacity-achieving receiver (measurement) is yet to be determined. In photon-starved pure-loss channels, binary phase modulation in combination with the optimal receiver is near-capacity achieving, and more importantly, it is superior to on-off keying with either the optimal receiver (as yet to be determined) or with a photon-counter. Heterodyne detection approaches the ultimate capacity at high mean photon numbers.

Citation Download Citation

Baris I. Erkmen, Bruce E. Moision, and Kevin M. Birnbaum "A review of the information capacity of single-mode free-space optical communication", Proc. SPIE 7587, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXII, 75870N (26 February 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.843542

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