Free space optical link demonstration using multi-plane light conversion turbulence mitigation

Authors: Antonin Billaud¹, Adeline Orieux¹, Fausto Gomez Agis¹, Kassem Saab¹, Stéphane Bernard¹, Thibault Michel¹, David Allioux¹, Olivier Pinel¹, Guillaume Labroille¹

¹Cailabs (France)

Abstract

We demonstrate turbulence mitigation in a free-space optical link without adaptive optics. A module consisting of an 8-mode Multi-Plane Light Conversion (MPLC) device connected to a photonic integrated chip (PIC) collects a perturbed beam and converts it into a fundamental mode propagating in a standard single-mode fiber (SMF). Module is tested on a 200-meter optical link at 1550 nm under different D/r0 conditions. Results are compared to simulations and laboratory experiments using calibrated turbulent phase plates. We show increased coupling efficiency and lower fading compared to SMF coupling, demonstrating that MPLC and PIC are a viable turbulence mitigation option.