2.5-Gbps amplified retro-modulator for free- space optical communications

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Abstract:

The results of experiments demonstrating the first amplified retro-modulated free-space optical communications link are presented. The amplifier increases the effective area of the retro-modulator by a factor of 318. The first experimental demonstration of a retro-modulator operating at a data rate of 2.5-Gbps is also presented. We will present the details of the experimental system, a simple theoretical model explaining the system performance, and the results of the first amplified retro-modulated link experiments.