Compressive Sensing Receiver for Free-Space Optical Communication Through the Atmosphere

This paper presents a novel application of compressive sensing (CS) to provide spatial diversity for free-space optical communication links. A CS receiver estimates the focal-plane signal distribution due to atmospheric turbulence. This estimate is then employed by a digital micromirror device to select the portions of the focal plane which contain significant energy for detection. The CS receiver is less complex, requires fewer highspeed optoelectronic components, has lower preamplifier noise and can operate at higher rates than a comparable multiple-detector array receiver. Bit-error rates are simulated for a photon counting channel and performance improvements near 2.4 dB can be obtained over a single detector receiver.