Mid-IR free-space optical communication with quantum cascade lasers

A free space optical communication link with simulated atmospheric turbulence investigation using un-cooled Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) system. Uncooled pulsed Quantum Cascade Laser was used as transmitter and photoelectromagnetic detector as receiver. For high photon efficiency and to eliminate QCL thermal effects signal was modulated at 32-ary Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) scheme. Concept enables extremely small and atmospheric propagation efficient optical communication system.