Abstract
Free-space optical communication systems using laser diode transmitters exhibit data rate limitations imposed by the diode's relatively low average output power. Incoherent power combiners represent a viable method for circumventing this limitation. A polarization beam combiner is described, and overall performance is analyzed in terms of signal extinction ratio and total transmitted power. It is shown that in such a combiner it is possible to increase the total transmitted on-axis far-field intensity, but the signal extinction ratio remains constant. The combiner system's true performance is calculated using polarization and power data for different types of laser diodes.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 309-313 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Optical Engineering |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1986 |
Externally published | Yes |