Abstract

Approximate expressions are derived for the probability density functions of the i.f. signal magnitudes from optical heterodyne detection systems operating in the presence of clear air turbulence. The effects of log-normal amplitude fluctuations and Gaussian phase perturbations, in addition to local oscillator shot noise, are considered for both passive receivers and those employing active tilt-tracking systems to eliminate angle-of-arrival fluctuations. In Part 2, experimental results are presented that verify the density functions developed here.

© 1978 Optical Society of America

Joint signal current probability distribution for optical heterodyne receiver arrays in the turbulent atmosphere

James H. Churnside and Charles M. McIntyre
Appl. Opt. 18(13) 2315-2322 (1979)

Signal current probability distribution for optical heterodyne receivers in the turbulent atmosphere. 2: Experiment

James H. Churnside and Charles M. McIntyre
Appl. Opt. 17(14) 2148-2152 (1978)

Heterodyne receivers for atmospheric optical communications

James H. Churnside and Charles M. Mclntyre
Appl. Opt. 19(4) 582-590 (1980)

Partial tracking optical heterodyne receiver arrays

James H. Churnside and Charles M. McIntyre
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 68(12) 1672-1675 (1978)

Atmospheric turbulence-induced signal fades on optical heterodyne communication links

Kim A. Winick
Appl. Opt. 25(11) 1817-1825 (1986)