LASER COMMUNICATION: A STUDY

FOR AN INEXPENSIVE
ALTERNATIVE FREE-SPACE
PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY

Presenters:
ABELLA, EDWARD LEE
AVERILLA, JOANNA PATRICIA
BALANE, RYAN LLOYD
BERNARDEZ, MARK KERVIN
CENITA, VILLY JOI
GABITAN, KATHLEEN
GAOAT, LORAINE ANGELA
GONZALES, NIKKA ABBY
PADERNILLA, ROSS ANN
TIONGCO, PRINCESS HERGRACE
VALLEJOS, CARL ANGELO
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CEA RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM 2018
 ABSTRACT

The study aims to propose that Free-space Optical (FSO) Communication can be
used in consumer level electronics, where ordinary people can benefit and enjoy
the advantage of this technology with low-cost laser communication link.

To demonstrate this, a program was created that acts as a "Messaging App" using
a transceiver that consists of lasers, photodiodes, and the Arduino Uno. The basic
concept of this is when the transceiver sends data (message) through a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) and then transmitted through a laser beam directed
towards the sensor of the other device. The decoding process on this
device (receiving end) allows displaying of the message sent in its GUI.

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 INTRODUCTION

Free-space Optical (FSO) Communication is the wireless

transmission of data using a technology that uses light propagating in
free space. FSO systems require no expensive and laborious
installations, and there are no security upgrades necessary.
Regarding with the power consumption, this technology uses
low power in transmitting data. Dissimilar to the radio and
microwave system, FSO system does not require spectrum license or
frequency coordination among its
users.

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 Research Questions

This study aimed to prove that the free-space photonic

technology can be used in communication technology in an
inexpensive cost and aims to answer the following questions:

1. Is it possible to transmit and receive data through laser?

2. How feasible the project is?
3. How efficient the project is?
4. Is it marketable?

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 Conceptual Framework

The block diagram shows the transmission and reception of data through a
LASER channel. The end user types a text message on the User Interface created
from Visual Basic. The program itself converts the input message into a stream of
data, the microcontroller converts the stream of data into pulse width modulated
signal.
The LASER pulses are received by a photo transistor. Through a reverse
process, these received pulses are converted back to stream of data. Finally, these
stream of data, with the help of Visual Basic program (the same program used by
the transmitting user), are converted back into a text message. Basically, creating an
interface or a messaging application using Laser as its medium of
communication.
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 METHODOLOGY

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CEA RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM 2018
 Procedure and Computational
Details

The procedure serves the primary purpose of furthering research

on LASER Communications and how its conditions and
specifications can be utilized and develop to carry out data
transmission in a consumer-level product. Hence, the
first step that should be taken is to gather much all the useful
references and article
materials that will properly correlate with the study.

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 Treatment of Data

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 RESULTS

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 DISCUSSION
According to the results of the data analysis, the system has shown
a high efficiency rating in terms of message reception within a
reasonable range and a fair speed in terms of transmission and
reception. After reviewing related researches and simulating our
devices through several tests and trials, we have successfully proven
and created the possibility of building an FSO communication
system suitable for digital instant messaging with an inexpensive
circuitry design.
The effort of building a design that is a low-cost yet efficient
system has been reflected through analyzing the overall
performance of the actual device based on the parameters.

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 References
• D., K. (2002). Free Space Optics for Laser Communication Through the Air. Optics
and Photonics News.
• First image download over new gigabit laser communication in space. (2014,
December). Retrieved from Air bus defence and space:
https://airbusdefenceandspace.com/newsroom/news-and-features/firstimage-
download-over-new-gigabit-laser-connection-in-space/
• Kum, S. (2012). Advantages of laser torch based voice transmitter and
receiver.Retrieved from http://sawaal.ibibo.com/electronics-
andgadgets/advantages-lasertorch-based-voice-transmitter-receiver-1952966.html
• Landau, E. (2014, December 9). OPALS: Light Beams Let Data Rates Soar.
Retrieved from Jet Propulsion Laboratory:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4402
• Laser link offers high-speed delivery. (2014, November 28). Retrieved from ESA:
from http://m.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-
1/Laser_link_offers_high-speed_delivery
• L. Smith, S., Buck, J., & Anderson, S. (2014, April 21). JPL Cargo Launched toSpace
Station. Retrieved from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2014-122

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 References
• Malik, A., & Singh, P. (2015). International Journal Of Optics(2015), 7.
• NASA Launches robotic explorer. (2015, May 15). Retrieved from Toledo Blade:
http://www.toledoblade.com/Nation/2013/09/07/NASA-launches-roboticexplorer-to-moon-
from-Va-trouble-develops-early-in-much-viewedflight.html
• Research, F. T. (1992). Laser Communication Transceiver and System. Robert T. Sparks, S. M. (n.d.).
The Development of a Low-Cost Laser Communication System for the Classroom. Retrieved from
https://spie.org/etop/2007/etop07k12IX.pdf
• R.L. Sindhu, M. (2015). Wireless Voice Communication Device Design Using Laser Torch and
LDR . Retrieved from
http://www.ijetcse.com/wpcontent/plugins/ijetcse/file/upload/docx/970Wireless-
VoiceCommunication-Device-Design-Using-Laser-Torch-and-LDR-pdf.pdf
• Space Laser Communication - Brief History. (2012). Retrieved from Space Laser:
https://spacelaser.weebly.com/
• Space probe breaks laser record: A spacecraft has sent a laser signal to Earth from 24 million km
(15 million miles) away in interplanetary space. (2006, January 6). Retrieved from BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4587580.stm.
• Simon Bambey, E. L.-J. (2016). A Cost-Efficient Transceiver Prototype for Arduino-Based Laser
Communication. Retrieved from ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7746087/
• The Laser Communication System. (2013, November). Retrieved from Essays, UK:
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/information-technology/the-lasercommunication-system-
information-technology-essay.php?vref=1

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