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Study of Laser based Transmission / Reception parameters under Fading

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Article · December 2003
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Davinder Pal Sharma

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J. Instrum. Soc. India 33 (4) 229-233
STUDY OF LASER BASED TRANSMISSION/

RECEPTION PARAMETERS UNDER
FADING MEDIUMS
Sameer Lakhra, Davinder Pal Sharma and Dr. Jasvir Singh

Dept. of Electronics Technology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005
ABSTRACT
Laser as a communication medium can provide a good substitute for the present day
communication systems as the problem of interference faced in case of electromagnetic
waves is not there and high deal of secrecy is available. The present paper involves the
study of wireless, open channel communication system using laser a carrier for voice
signals. Different fading materials with different transmission co-efficients and different
thickness are used as mediums for the transmission of coded laser light signals. Results
obtained can be used for the fabrication of high speed, interference free optical
communication and perhaps in fabrication of optical fibers of presented materials also.
1. INTRODUCTION
Use of laser in communication systems is the future because of the advantages of the
full channel speeds, no communication licenses required at present [1], compatibility with copper
or fiber interfaces and no bridge or router requirements [2]. Besides this there are no recurring
line costs, portability, transparency to networks or protocols, although range is limited to a
few hundred meters. Also the laser transmission is very secure because it has a narrow beam
(any potential evesdropping will result in an interruption which will alert the personnel. Also
it cannot be detected with use of spectrum analyzers and RF meters and hence can be used
for diverse applications including financial, medical and military. Lasers can also transmit through
glass, however the physical properties of the glass have to be considered. Laser transmitter
and receiver units ensure easy, straightforward systems alignment and long-term stable, service-
free operation, especially in inaccessible environments, optical wireless systems offer ideal,
economical alternative to expensive leased lines for buildings.
The laser can also be commissioned in satellites for communication, as laser radar requires
small aperture as compared to microwave radar [3]. Also there is high secrecy and no
interference like in EM waves[4]. Further, potential bandwidth of radar using lasers can translate
to very precision range measurement. For these reasons, they can be used as an alternative to
present modes of communication. Fig (1) below shows future information network using laser
communication, which is both wide-band and high-speed [5].
230 Sameer Lakhra, Davinder Pal Sharma and Dr. Jasvir Singh
Fig-1 : Future information network using laser communication
2. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP
This paper deals with study of wireless open channel communication using laser as a
carrier for speech message (modulating signal). For the purpose of transmitter circuit, a
condenser mike, an IC-UA741-OP-AMP (whose gain is controlled by 1MΩ potentiometer)
and a laser torch (wavelength 630nm) are used as main components[6]. The Receiver circuit
uses a phototransistor L14F1, a 2-stage preamplifier prior to IC-LM386 audio power amplifier
and then a loudspeaker. The laser-coded signal when positioned on the phototransistor (selected
because it’s high absorption coefficient and excellent responsivity) [7], if followed by tuned
amplifier, responds only to frequency of operation. The volume is controlled by a 10 KΩ
potentiometer. To avoid a 50Hz, hum noise, phototransistor is kept away from a.c. sources.
It is also shielded from direct sunlight. The outputs of transmitter and receiver are then given
to dual channel digital CRO (Cathode Ray Oscilloscope) and the 2.5 – Mb (Megabyte) line
Webcam captures the pictures, which are analyzed. In CRO, 1µs is taken as the unit on time
axis. Fig (2) shows CRO and its waveforms being captured by the Webcam basic experimental
set-up for the study purpose.
Variation is studied on following parameters :

A. Distance between Transmitter and Receiver.
B. Medium between transmitter and receiver (depending upon transmission coefficient
and thickness of various media used for the 630nm laser waves used).
Study of Laser Based Transmission/Reception Parameters under fading mediums 231
Fig-2 : Schematic diagram of study of parameters under fading medium
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1) Firstly, the transmitter and receiver waveform variation was observed on digital CRO
by changing the distance between the laser torch in transmitter and phototransistor in the
receiver using air as medium. Upto 4.5 feet, there is no variation observed in the output
waveforms. But with increase in the distance there is waveform variation due to noise.
2) The medium between the transmitter and receiver is then changed to transparent plastic
(2 fold), thicker version of same plastic (4 fold) and blue coloured polythene, sequentially.
These have 10, 10.18 and 49 as values of absorption coefficients respectively as calculated
by their percentage transmission found using Ultra-Violet Spectrophotometer (in visible range)
and by their respective thickness, which are 0.07mm, 0.15mm and 0.02mm (measured using
a screw gauge).
Absorption coefficient α is given by : α = (1/t) loge [100 / % T]
Where t = thickness
& % T = Percentage transmission (of each medium)
Pictures of waveforms on CRO are captured using 2.5 MB data line Webcam. Study of
waveform results shows that attenuation increases as the distance is increased between the
transmitter and receiver (in all three media) and harmonics gets introduced. Also the pulses in
the receiver output waveform decrease in time duration. Graphs are plotted on interpretation
of waveforms and the analysis is shown in Fig (3), Fig (4) and Fig (5).
The graphs show that the pulses in the receiver output waveform decrease in time duration.
While the pulse decrease in case of blue polythene is very sharp, it is less sharp in case of 4
fold transparent plastic and least in 2 fold transparent plastic (as distance foot between the
transmitter and the receiver is increased from 1 foot to 2 and to 3 foot). Graphs also show
that there is frequency deviation in all three cases. This shown in Table 1
232 Sameer Lakhra, Davinder Pal Sharma and Dr. Jasvir Singh
Fig-3 : Variation of pulse duration with Fig (4) Variation of pulse duration with
distance in case of blue polythene distance in case of 2 fold transparent plastic
Fig-5 : Variation of pulse duration with distance in case of 4 fold transparent plastic.
Table 1 : Frequency Deviation in various media:
Sl.No. Medium Frequency Deviation of (in kHz)

From 1 to 2 foot From 2 to 3 foot
1. Blue polythene 0.375 0.67
2. 4 fold transparent plastic 0.175 0.45
3. 2 fold transparent plastic 0.075 0.09
Study of Laser Based Transmission/Reception Parameters under fading mediums 233
4. CONCLUSION
The study reveals that there is attenuation in the various media depending on the absorption
coefficient. As the observation table shows that there is high frequency deviation in case of
blue polythene, less in 4 fold transparent plastic, and least in 2 fold transparent plastic. This
study is useful as an application in field of optical telecommunication and even in defence
applications such as wireless communication.
5. REFERENCES
1) John Gower, ‘Optical Communication Systems’, 2nd Edition, PHI, New Delhi (1996).
2) http://laserinfrared wireless.com/faq.htm
3) Christopher Allen ET. Al. ‘Development of a 1310nm, Coherent Laser Radar with R.F. Pulse
Compression’, Proceeding of IEEE IGARSS Conference (2000).
4) A.K. Sawhney & Puneet Sawhney, ‘A Course on Electrical & Electronics Measurements and
Instrumentation’, 17th Reprint, Dhanpat Rai, Delhi (2000).
5) http://jem.tksc.nasda.go.jp/kibo/kibomefc/lcde_e.html
6) http://efylinux.electronicsforu.com/circuit/jan2002/cirl.htm
7) Senior, John. A, ‘Optical Fiber Communication, Principles & Practice’, 2nd Ed., New Delhi (1996).
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Study of Laser based Transmission / Reception parameters under Fading

Article · December 2003

Davinder Pal Sharma

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

STUDY OF LASER BASED TRANSMISSION/

Sameer Lakhra, Davinder Pal Sharma and Dr. Jasvir Singh

Fig-1 : Future information network using laser communication

Variation is studied on following parameters :

Fig-2 : Schematic diagram of study of parameters under fading medium

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1 : Frequency Deviation in various media:

Sl.No. Medium Frequency Deviation of (in kHz)

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