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 high-speed 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.