Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Om Acharya, Junior Mykailla Harper Mark VanBerschot III Aldir Moreira 1
Lead Presenter's Name
Om Acharya
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Vikas Sudesh
Abstract
Study of Atmospheric Effects and Mitigation Strategies in Free-Space Optical Communication Systems examines the fundamental limitations imposed by atmospheric disturbances on point-to-point laser communication links and evaluates methods to improve link reliability and performance. Free-space optical communication offers high data rates and reduced spectral congestion compared to radiofrequency systems, but its effectiveness is constrained by atmospheric effects including turbulence-induced scintillation, beam wander, absorption, and scattering. These phenomena introduce fluctuations in signal intensity and pointing errors, leading to degraded link stability and increased bit error rates. The work analyzes these atmospheric effects and investigates mitigation strategies that enhance optical link robustness under dynamic conditions. The approach combines analytical modeling of beam propagation and disturbance characteristics with computational simulations to evaluate system response under varying atmospheric scenarios. Mitigation methods explored include adaptive beam control, predictive compensation techniques, and intelligent tracking strategies that respond to real-time disturbances. Preliminary findings indicate that integrating predictive and adaptive control mechanisms can significantly reduce the impact of turbulence-induced fluctuations and improve acquisition and tracking performance. The study provides a structured framework for limitations in optical communication and outlines scalable strategies for improving system resilience, contributing to the advancement of reliable high-bandwidth communication for aerospace and terrestrial applications.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Electromagnetics and Photonics Commons, Systems and Communications Commons
Stability Through Chaos: Atmospheric Impact and Control Strategies for Laser Communication
Study of Atmospheric Effects and Mitigation Strategies in Free-Space Optical Communication Systems examines the fundamental limitations imposed by atmospheric disturbances on point-to-point laser communication links and evaluates methods to improve link reliability and performance. Free-space optical communication offers high data rates and reduced spectral congestion compared to radiofrequency systems, but its effectiveness is constrained by atmospheric effects including turbulence-induced scintillation, beam wander, absorption, and scattering. These phenomena introduce fluctuations in signal intensity and pointing errors, leading to degraded link stability and increased bit error rates. The work analyzes these atmospheric effects and investigates mitigation strategies that enhance optical link robustness under dynamic conditions. The approach combines analytical modeling of beam propagation and disturbance characteristics with computational simulations to evaluate system response under varying atmospheric scenarios. Mitigation methods explored include adaptive beam control, predictive compensation techniques, and intelligent tracking strategies that respond to real-time disturbances. Preliminary findings indicate that integrating predictive and adaptive control mechanisms can significantly reduce the impact of turbulence-induced fluctuations and improve acquisition and tracking performance. The study provides a structured framework for limitations in optical communication and outlines scalable strategies for improving system resilience, contributing to the advancement of reliable high-bandwidth communication for aerospace and terrestrial applications.