All Optical Solution for Free Space Optics Point to Point Link

Abstract

Optical network systems are quickly replacing electrical network systems. Optical systems provide better bandwidth, faster data rates, better security to networks, and are less susceptible to noise. Free Space Optics (systems) still rely on numerous electrical systems such as the modulation and demodulation systems to convert optical signals to electrical signals for the transmitting laser. As the concept of the entirely optical network becomes more realizable, the electrical components of the FSO system will become a hindrance to communications. The focus of this thesis is to eliminate the electrical devices for the FSO point to point links by replacing them with optical devices. The concept is similar to an extended beam connector. However, where an extended beam connector deals with a gap of a few millimeters, my focus looks at distances from 100 meters to one kilometer. The aim is to achieve a detectable signal of 1nW at a distance of 500 meters at a wavelength of 1500-1600nm. This leads to application in building to building links and mobile networks. The research examines the design of the system in terms of generating the wave, the properties of the fiber feeding the wave, and the power necessary to achieve a usable distance. The simulation is executed in Code V by Synopsys, which is an industry standard to analyze optical systems. A usable device with a range of around 500m was achieved with an input power of 1mW. The approximations of the phase function resulted in some aberrations to the profile of the beam, but were not very detrimental to the function of the device. The removal of electrical devices from a FSO point to point link decreased the power used to establish the link and decreased the cost.