FM-MRR Analog Audio Transmission through a Scintillated Channel

In this work, a free-space infrared communications system is described. The system has the capability of using previously captured scintillation data and introducing the effects onto the bench-top system. This effectively acts as a scintillation simulator which emulates an optical link that is effected by the weather and various physical conditions at the time of transmission. The method used for scintillation simulation is described. The transmission method of the system is a hybrid combination of traditional frequency modulation (FM) and optical amplitude modulation (OAM) combined with Multiple Quantum Well (MQW) Modulating Retroreflector (MRR) technology. The result has produced a robust, low power system that is capable of transmitting real-time audio information with high clarity along a channel that accurately simulates the atmospheric effects of scintillation. The system is capable of transmitting along a link of several kilometers, depending specifically on the characteristics of the interrogator and sensor components chosen for the system.