Performance evaluation of non-line-of-sight optical communication system operating in the solar-blind ultraviolet spectrum

Nikos Raptis; Evangelos Pikasis; Dimitris Syvridis

doi:10.1117/12.2241424

21 October 2016 Performance evaluation of non-line-of-sight optical communication system operating in the solar-blind ultraviolet spectrum

Nikos Raptis, Evangelos Pikasis, Dimitris Syvridis

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9991, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication Techniques and Applications II; 999107 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241424
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

For several years, it has been examined if the attributes of the wavelengths in C band of the Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum that lie between 200 and 280 nm can be exploited in order to set up short range covert links of low rate in a Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) regime. In the present work, it is experimentally investigated and verified that using this band, short range and low rate NLOS links using the same transmitter/receiver pair under different atmospheric conditions without applying extreme power levels can be implemented rather effectively. The transmitter was composed of four Light Emitting Diodes. At the receiving side, an optical filter was followed by a Photo-Multiplier Tube. Initially, we measured the power losses of the channels with and without fog (artificially generated) for ranges up to 20 meters and several transmitters/receiver configurations. Secondly, the performance of Fourth-order Pulse Position Modulation (4-PPM) and Flip Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (Flip-OFDM) was evaluated for such channels and 10 Kbit/s rate. Applying emissions at 265 nm, NLOS links can operate efficiently especially in harsh environments, as the power losses were lowered when fog appeared. In terms of the modulation formats, 4-PPM performed better in most cases. Better results were obtained for both schemes when the medium became thicker due to the presence of fog. Finally, some initial measurements were realized with a Silicon Carbide PiN photodiode for the same rate but low elevation angles. The performance was exactly the opposite compared to a receiver with inherent gain when the atmosphere thickened.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Nikos Raptis, Evangelos Pikasis, and Dimitris Syvridis "Performance evaluation of non-line-of-sight optical communication system operating in the solar-blind ultraviolet spectrum", Proc. SPIE 9991, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication Techniques and Applications II, 999107 (21 October 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241424

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available