Channel capacity and maximum-likelihood detection for atmospherically disturbed binary photocounting communications (Corresp.)

A binary optical communication system, consisting of a laser transmitter, a log-normal atmospheric channel, a photocounting detector, and a likelihood-ratio decision box has been investigated. Background radiation and dark current have been taken into account. Curves are presented for the probability of error and the mutual information for varying levels of atmospheric turbulence. It was ascertained that optical preamplification could be useful in improving system performance.