Multi-channel transmitters for free-space optical communication systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4302/plp.v18i1.1381Abstract
This study presents a Free Space Optical Communication system using InP-based integrated transceivers, demonstrating multichannel transmission capabilities. The system utilizes photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to achieve compact, energy-efficient transceivers suitable for scalable optical communication applications. Successful multi-channel data transmission at rates of up to 10 Gb/s was achieved in both indoor (2 m) and outdoor (up to 10 m) environments. The design incorporates distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers, electro-absorption modulators, and arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexers. The system showcases high-quality transmission with low bit-error rates (BER ≤ 10⁻¹¹) and minimal power penalties.
Full Text: PDF
References
- H. Kaushal and G. Kaddoum, "Optical Communication in Space: Challenges and Mitigation Techniques", IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutor. 19(1), 57 (2017) CrossRef
- C. Mathas, "Free-space optics restores communications after Sept. 11", Lightwave Online. accessed: Dec. 23, 2025. [Online]. DirectLink
- H. Hemmati, A. Biswas, I.B. Djordjevic, "Deep-Space Optical Communications: Future Perspectives and Applications", Proc. IEEE 99(11), 2020 (2011) CrossRef
- M.A. Fernandes, P.P. Monteiro, F.P. Guiomar, "Free-Space Terabit Optical Interconnects", J. Lightwave Tech., 40(5), 1519(2022) CrossRef
- H. Zhao et al.,"Indium Phosphide Photonic Integrated Circuits for Free Space Optical Links", IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quantum Electron. 24(6), 1 (2018) CrossRef
- G. Terrasanta, M.W. Ziarko, N. Bergamasco, M. Poot, J. Poliak, "Photonic Integrated Circuits for Optical Satellite Links: A Review of the Technology Status and Space Effects", Int. J. Satell. Commun. Netw. 43(3), 210 (2025), CrossRef
- L.A. Coldren et al., "High Performance InP-Based Photonic ICs—A Tutorial", J. Light. Technol. 29(4), 554 (2011) CrossRef
- A. Paśnikowska, S. Stopiński, A. Kaźmierczak, R. Piramidowicz, "Multi-Channel Integrated Transmitters With Cyclic AWG", J. Light. Technol. 42(7), 2371 (2024) CrossRef
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Aleksandra Paśnikowska, Stanisław Stopiński, Krzysztof Anders, Mariusz Rojewski, Łukasz Kustosz, Ryszard Piramidowicz

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).