Turbulence simulation in diverse conditions for FSO links

Abstract

Simulation of beam propagation through turbulent media has always been a tricky subject when it comes to moderate-to-strong turbulent regimes. Creating a well controlled turbulent environment is beneficial as a fast and a practical approach when it comes to testing the optical wireless communication systems in diverse atmospheric conditions. Turbulent media is created using multiple phase screens each having controlled random variations in its frequency and power while the propagated beam is calculated using Fresnel diffraction method. The effect of the turbulent media is added to the propagated beam using modified Von Karman spectrum. Created scintillation screens are tested and compared with the experimental data which are gathered in different turbulence regimes within various atmospheric conditions. We believe that the general drawback of the beam propagation simulation is the difference in terms of spatial distribution and sequential phase textures. To overcome these two challenges we calculate the Aperture Averaging Factors to create more realistic results. In this manner, it is possible create more viable turbulent like scintillations thus the relationship between the turbulence strength and the simulated turbulence parameters are distinctly available. Our simulation gives us an elusive insight on the real atmospheric turbulent media. It improves our understanding on parameters that are involved in real time intensity fluctuations that occur in every wireless optical communication system.