100 Gbps and 45-mode Multi-plane-light-conversion-based turbulence mitigation for free space optical communication

Authors: Thibault Michel, Adeline Orieux, Cédric Dautancourt, Tanguy Luttman, Stephane Bernard, Claire Autebert, Louis Andreoli, Pu Jian, David Allioux, Antonin Billaud, Olivier Pinel, Guillaume Labroille

Cailabs, Rennes, FRANCE

Abstract

Space-to-ground laser communication is booming thanks to high throughput, stealth communication without frequency allocation. However, lasercom becomes really competitive beyond 10 Gbps. At this rate, fiber components, requiring SMF coupling, and thus turbulence mitigation become necessary. Based on Cailabs’ core technology, Multi-Plane Light Conversion (MPLC) followed by photonic integrated chip, Cailabs develops a turbulence mitigation product entirely dedicated to lasercom. Previous work showed proof of concept for the 8-mode version. In this article we investigate last results obtained with the system including 100 Gbps communication and present the new 45-modes turbulence mitigation version.