Free space optical communication using a shape parameter

摘要

A shape parameter as defined through the higher-order transverse intensity moments of a paraxial light field is explored from the free space optical communication perspective. The fact that the fundamental Laguerre Gaussian modes transverse intensities scale on free propagation is put to effective use. The defined shape parameter is both free propagation and transverse plane rotation invariant, and hence a suitable free space signaler. The shape parameter is found to effectively distinguish both Laguerre Gaussian and Hermite Gaussian iso-variance-matrix superpositions, on passage through atmospheric turbulence, as illustrated by the studied examples.