Theoretical and experimental results for 1550-nm light scattering in clouds and their predictions for pulse broadening effects on high-throughput optical communications

We present theoretical and experimental results for the expected impact on high-throughput optical communication systems of pulse broadening effects from scattered light propagating through water-based clouds. Existing analytical models are compared with experimental results. A preferred Monte Carlo model is developed and validated from field measurements of off-axis scattering through clouds, using a low-power continuous wave laser source at 1550 nm wavelength. This model is used in the time domain to examine the effects of pulse broadening for Gigabit and higher systems with practical apertures and fields of view. Results indicate that, for most current scenarios, pulse stretching may not cause significant inter-symbol interference.