Optisystem Simulation for Optical Communication in an Atmospheric Turbulence

Free-space optical (FSO) is one of the latest technologies nowadays used for transmitting and receiving signals. Although FSO has its advantages, it also has its side effects and one of them is the atmospheric turbulence which will be discussed in this project. In this particular project, the performance of optical communication in an atmospheric turbulence will be analyzed and simulated via Optisystem, one of optical simulation software. Before simulation is been done, it is necessary to understand the fundamental of FSO and how it works. FSO communication faces problems from optical signal scintillation that is introduced by atmospheric turbulence. Turbulence is caused by unstable temperature and pressure causing the change of index refraction in air. Due to this, the transmitted signals will have disturbance and the appropriate data will not be sent properly. This project will study the mechanism of atmospheric turbulence, identifing the techniques and formula proposed to represent the turbulence as well as to determine the best modulation scheme to analyze the performance of optical wave. In this research, information is gathered and analyzed. After going through the concepts, various solutions will be taken and tested in order to choose which will be the best method to overcome the problem. Expected result is that when atmospheric turbulence occurs in a strong degree, signal quality will be low. Whereas if weak turbulence occurs, the quality signal transmitted will be better. It is hoped that this project will enhance and improve the future communication in optical field for the betterment of humankind.