Wavelength Selection

Choice of wavelength affects both the link performance and the detector sensitivity. As tradeoffs exist between the antenna gain (better at lower wavelengths) and the link quality (better at higher wavelengths), the design of the FSO link must be optimized with these considerations in mind to achieve optimal performance. Optical C-Band (1530-1565 nm) is a desirable and commonly adopted wavelength in the US.

1550 nm wavelength range is the most commonly specified for terrestrial fiber-based optical communications and consequently the supporting infrastructure for this wavelength (such as a wide selection of passive components, lasers, modulators, practical optical amplifiers, and receiver photodetectors) is vast and growing. [1]

 

Related Links

Article: FSO History and Technology