Prof. Shlomi Arnon

In this paper we present a mathematical model, which describes the relation between the optical power received in a free space optical communication system and the receiver field-of-view (FOV), when the propagation medium is multiply scattering. The model is investigated at different optical densities and a deterministic relation is developed. Monte-Carlo simulation results and the derived mathematical formulation are compared with experimental results. The ability to maintain a communication link in the absence of strict line-of-sight (LOS) alignment is a major challenge for optical wireless systems as well as for the emerging technology of distributed sensors (such as the "smart dust" or oxygen project). We show that in the presence of multiply scattering media, such as fog and haze, scattered light reception at angles of incidence of several milliradians can render a link functional even when unscattered light is not received because of inadequate LOS alignment. An adaptive FOV receiver is proposed as a solution for maintaining communication in adverse conditions.