Optical compensation using a space division multiplexing electro-optic receiver

摘要

Disclosed herein are methods, structures, and devices for optical communications systems operating through turbulent media. More specifically, a spatial division multiplexing photonic integrated circuit is used in conjunction with digital signal processing systems to mitigate the effects of the turbulent media.

主权项

1. A method of compensating an optical signal that has been transmitted through a turbulent medium comprising the steps of:
receiving through the effect of receiver optics, the optical signal that has been transmitted through the turbulent medium; compensating for the turbulence by spatial-division-multiplexing the received optical signal using a photonic integrated circuit; processing the spatial-division-multiplexed signal such that an effects of the turbulence is mitigated; and recovering any data conveyed by the optical signal; wherein said spatial division multiplexing is performed by the photonic integrated circuit through the effect of a circular grating coupler; wherein said circular grating coupler includes a plurality of concentric grooves and a plurality of radially oriented waveguides disposed around the perimeter of the concentric grooves; wherein each one of said radially oriented waveguides are positioned in a respective optical path including one or more phase shifters for azimuthal control.