We analyze the performance of adaptive field conjugation array receivers in satellite downlink coherent laser communications. We consider coherent fiber arrays consisting of multiple subapertures, with each subaperture interfaced to a single-mode fiber. We quantify how field conjugation processing improves performance in the presence of turbulence, as compared to a monolithic-aperture coherent receiver having an equal total cross-sectional area. In general, the performance of such a field conjugation adaptive should improve with an increasing number of subapertures and, given a fixed collecting area, the fiber array system can offer superior performance.

Peer Reviewed