Link Performance Analysis of a Ship-to-Ship Laser Communication System

Abstract

The benefits of high data rates, high directionality, low sidelobes, small size, light weight, and low power of laser communications (lasercom) as compared to radio frequency (RF) communications make laser an attractive option for ship-to-ship communications. The realization of the option requires ship-to-ship lasercom system design and mission planning, which, in turn, necessitates a lasercom link budget analysis and a parametric analysis of lasercom system design and operational parameters. The link budget analysis determines whether the energy of a laser signal is adequately transmitted to a receiver. The parametric analysis determines the lasercom system design and operational parameters that meet ship-to-ship lasercom requirements. Maritime environmental conditions (atmospheric and water surface conditions) that affect lasercom link budget are investigated. The link budget takes into consideration transmitted and received power, gains, propagation losses, and implementation losses. The results of the link budget analysis and the parametric analysis can be used to analyze and trade the design and operational parameters contributing to a link budget that meets communications requirements and to gain understanding of the operational boundaries and limitations of lasercom.