Beason, MelissaMelissaBeasonGladysz, SzymonSzymonGladysz2022-03-142022-03-142020https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/40987010.1364/PCAOP.2020.PM3D.2Large apertures are used in FSOC systems to increase signal and reduce scintillation. Based on simulations of a realistic FSOC system using a Gaussian beam we found significant changes in the empirical PDF with increasing aperture size. We compare the fit of PDFs to data and the effect of PDF choice on <BER> and fade probability of a direct detection FSOC system.en004670conference paper