Abstract

The information rate which can be carried by an optical wave is critically examined in view of the dual nature of the electromagnetic waves. Examples are given to illustrate the attainable information capacity over a wave range from 10⁻² to 10³μ for (a) constant antenna gain and (b) constant diameter of the collimator. Finally, the reduction in information capacity due to the finite travel time of the electromagnetic energy in interstellar communication channels is analyzed.

© 1963 Optical Society of America

On Some Aspects of Real and Apparent Visual Movement*

C. H. Graham
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 53(9) 1019-1025 (1963)

Optical Problems of Television Recording of the Moon and Planets from Approaching Spacecraft

E. P. Martz
Appl. Opt. 2(1) 41-50 (1963)

The Role of Eikonal and Matrix Methods in Contrast Transfer Calculations

W. Brouwer, E. L. O’Neill, and A. Walther
Appl. Opt. 2(12) 1239-1246 (1963)

Information Capacity of Radiation Detectors and of Light

R. Clark Jones
Appl. Opt. 2(4) 351-358 (1963)

A New Optical Method of Storing and Retrieving Information

P. J. van Heerden
Appl. Opt. 2(4) 387-392 (1963)