Optiwave’s Free-Space Optical (FSO) Simulation Software and NRC Collaboration

Optiwave Systems Inc. has developed groundbreaking Free-Space Optical (FSO) simulation software that provides engineers with valuable design tools for next-generation communication systems. This innovation, validated through a prestigious collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the University of Ottawa, represents a significant advancement in bringing laser-powered communications closer to commercial reality.

The Technical Foundation of Optiwave’s FSO Simulation Software

Optiwave’s FSO simulator, an integral component of their comprehensive OptiSystem suite, is the world’s first comprehensive modelling tool specifically designed for free-space optical communications. The software draws upon Optiwave’s extensive expertise in photonics design to address the unique challenges associated with atmospheric optical transmission.

OptiSystem, now in its 21.1 version, offers robust capabilities for FSO simulation, including:

• Advanced Atmospheric Modelling: Engineers can simulate diverse atmospheric conditions, including scintillation effects, turbulence, and weather phenomena such as rain, snow, haze, and fog—all critical factors impacting FSO performance.
• Comprehensive Transmitter/Receiver Design: The software facilitates detailed modelling of various optical transmitter and receiver configurations, enabling engineers to optimise components prior to physical prototyping.
• Turbulence Correction Simulation: The software can model automatic correction mechanisms for atmospheric turbulence, a critical capability highlighted in the National Research Council’s research.
• Integration with Quantum Applications: Recent updates include support for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over FSO links under different weather conditions, expanding the security applications of this technology.

Why Free Space Optical Links?

High-speed, tap-proof communication systems are a growing application for Free Space Optical (FSO) systems. FSO is a communication process that uses light to carry information, travelling in free space to exchange data between two or more points. Its key advantages include high security, quicker establishment, and permit-free ranges. FSO technology is particularly useful in cases where fibre optic cables are impractical due to high costs.

Free Space Optics (FSO) communications refers to the transmission of modulated visible or infrared beams through the atmosphere to obtain optical communications. As shown in these diagrams from Optiwave, FSO.osd (Figure 1) demonstrates a typical free space optical link operating at 1.25 GB/s, where usually the main source of penalty is atmospheric attenuation.

Figure 1: FSO Link (Optiwave)

The Wireless Optical Channel Component (WOC), also known as free-space optics, finds applications in scenarios where atmospheric attenuation is not the primary source of performance degradation, but rather pointing angle errors. This is particularly relevant in satellite communications, as exemplified in Figure 2, which illustrates the compromised link performance resulting from pointing errors between the transmitter and receiver.

Figure 2: WOC Link (Optiwave)

Technical Validation Through Real-World Testing

Optiwave’s FSO simulator stands out for its rigorous validation process, which was conducted through the High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge (HTSN) program. The National Research Council (NRC) and the University of Ottawa collaborated to develop both benchtop and real-world transmitter and receiver stations, ensuring the accuracy of Optiwave’s simulation models.

The testing process encompassed the ARTEMIS observatory, a 2.5-meter station initially designed for astronomical research but subsequently repurposed for FSO communications testing. This facility facilitated the establishment of laser links between various targets and the observatory, providing valuable real-world validation data for the simulation software.

According to Dr. Ahmad Atieh, Vice-President of Optical Systems at Optiwave, “Our model is the preferred software for obtaining reliable results due to its extensive stress testing conducted in both space and ground environments.”

Technical Capabilities for Future Applications

The software’s capabilities extend beyond current terrestrial applications, enabling its support for emerging use cases.

• High-Altitude Platform Communications: The subsequent phase of development concentrates on establishing laser communication links through high-altitude platforms.
• UAV and Satellite Links: The software possesses the capability to model optical links to uncrewed aerial vehicles and satellites at distances exceeding several hundred kilometres.
• Optical Power Transmission Modelling: The simulation software facilitates the modelling of laser-based wireless power transmission systems—an emerging technology that enables the remote powering of sensors and drones.

Integration with Optiwave’s Photonics Design Ecosystem

The FSO simulator derives significant benefits from Optiwave’s integrated approach to photonic design software. The company’s suite encompasses various tools that complement FSO simulation:

• OptiFDTD: Designed for comprehensive electromagnetic field simulation of optical components employing Finite-Difference Time-Domain methodologies.
• OptiBPM: Specialised for waveguide design and beam propagation modelling.
• OptiMode: Utilised for modal analysis of optical waveguides—a critical aspect in comprehending beam characteristics within FSO systems.

This integration empowers designers to comprehensively model every facet of an FSO system, encompassing optical components, atmospheric channels, and system-level performance.

Impact on Rural and Remote Connectivity

The validated simulation software represents a substantial advancement in addressing connectivity challenges prevalent in rural and remote regions. In comparison to conventional radio frequency technology, FSO communication systems offer enhanced data transfer rates while simultaneously reducing device weight and power consumption.

Dr. Ross Cheriton, a research officer at the NRC’s Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, underscores that this collaborative project exemplifies the NRC’s approach to fostering partnerships between innovative businesses, scientific expertise, research infrastructure, and funding support. These collaborations collectively address challenges of immediate relevance to Canadian businesses and communities.

HTSN Program’s Accelerated Research and Development

The HTSN program’s funding has significantly accelerated this research and development, enabling technology designers to reap benefits within months rather than years. This is achieved by directly bringing experimental results to software design tools.

Wrapping-Up

Optiwave’s free-space optical simulator represents a substantial technological advancement that will expedite the development and deployment of laser-based communication systems. Its comprehensive modelling capabilities and validation through collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC) and the University of Ottawa empower researchers, designers, and businesses to develop reliable free-space optical (FSO) technologies. This presents a promising avenue for enhancing telecommunications speed and reliability, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.

For further details regarding Optiwave’s optical system design tools, particularly their FSO simulation capabilities, get in touch with AusOptic to arrange a software demonstration.