Laser Communication and Atmospheric Impairments

Abstract

Varieties of signal-loss components in transmitting a laser signal beam from one point to another over microwave link are usually encoun tered due to absorption and dispersion by airborne molecules and aerosols and distortion of the wave-front due to atmospheric turbulence resulting from the variation of the refraction index along the direction of the beam. This paper provided information on calculating attenua tions generated as a result of these aerosols and hydrometeors effect on laser beams. Effective linking equipment, open-loop power control and feedback loop power control are suggested as mitigation techniques that significantly reduce attenuations when laser signals are transmitted