@inproceedings{a2c883ecd47945fbad471651da02f79b,
title = "Free-space optical communication using mid-infrared or solar-blind ultraviolet sources and detectors",
abstract = "Free-space optical communication is a promising solution to the {"}last mile{"} bottleneck of data networks. Conventional near infrared-based free-space optical communication systems suffer from atmospheric scattering losses and scintillation effects which limit the performance of the data links. Using mid-infrared, we reduce the scattering and thus can improve the quality of the data links and increase their range. Because of the low scattering, the data link cannot be intercepted without a complete or partial loss in power detected by the receiver. This type of communications provides ultra-high bandwidth and highly secure data transfer for both short and medium range data links. Quantum cascade lasers are one of the most promising sources for mid-wavelength infrared sources and Type-II superlattice photodetectors are strong candidates for detection in this regime. The same way that that low scattering makes mid-wavelength infrared ideal for secure free space communications, high scattering can be used for secure short-range free-space optical communications. In the solar-blind ultraviolet (< 280 nm) light is strongly scattered and absorbed. This scattering makes possible non-line-of-sight free-space optical communications. The scattering and absorption also prevent remote eavesdropping. III-Nitride based LEDs and photodetectors are ideal for non-line-of-sight free-space optical communication.",
keywords = "III-nitrides, Type-II, communications, free-space, infrared, quantum cascade laser, solar-blind, ultraviolet",
author = "Ryan McClintock and Abbas Haddadi and Manijeh Razeghi",
year = "2012",
doi = "10.1117/12.913980",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "9780819489111",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices IX",
note = "Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices IX ; Conference date: 22-01-2012 Through 26-01-2012",
}