Experimental analysis of adaptive optics compensation in free-space coherent laser communications

In this work we present a practical, experimental analysis of the effects of adaptive optics compensation on the performance of free-space coherent optical receivers. In order to fulfill this objective, we have developed a laboratory test bed for simulating atmospheric turbulence using Kolmogorov statistics; we have implemented a digital-signal-processing-based phase shift keying heterodyne coherent receiver; and we have integrated a compact module operating a low-cost adaptive optics system that applies modal and zonal wavefront correction. We have checked our experimental results against previously reported analytical models describing the performance of coherent receivers using atmospheric compensation techniques.