Abstract
Free-space optical communications has recently been touted as a solution to the "last mile" bottleneck of high-speed data networks providing highly secure, short to long range, and high-bandwidth connections. However, commercial near infrared systems experience atmospheric scattering losses and scintillation effects which can adversely affect a link's operating budget. By moving the operating wavelength into the mid- or long-wavelength infrared enhanced link uptimes and increased operating range can be achieved due to less susceptibility to atmospheric affects. The combination of room-temperature, continuous-wave, high-power quantum cascade lasers and high operating temperature type-II superlattice photodetectors offers the benefits of mid- and long-wavelength infrared systems as well as practical operating conditions for next generation free-space communications systems.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices V |
| Volume | 6900 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - May 21 2008 |
| Event | Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices V - San Jose, CA, United States Duration: Jan 20 2008 → Jan 23 2008 |
Other
| Other | Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices V |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | San Jose, CA |
| Period | 1/20/08 → 1/23/08 |
Keywords
- Free space communications
- Mid-infrared
- Photodetector
- Quantum cascade laser
- Room temperature
- Superlattices
- Type-II
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics