Real-time demonstration of 2.5 GBaud coherent free-space optical communication through an atmospheric channel emulator

In 30 seconds

Coherent free-space optical communication at 2.5 GBaud provides significantly improved receiver sensitivity compared to intensity-modulated systems, aiding links in turbulence-dominated regimes. By leveraging commercial off-the-shelf high-speed converters and FPGA-based digital signal processing, the system addresses the challenge of millisecond-scale signal fades. This demonstration confirms the viability of coherent detection for enhancing link margin and availability in volatile atmospheric conditions.