Chapter 1

Introduction—Optical Wireless Communication Systems

By definition, Wireless Optical Communication is the transmission of optical beams carrying information either through free space in the atmosphere or in confined environment. These systems work in the same IR range in which normally the optical fiber systems work. Historically, Optical Wireless (OW) or Free Space Optical (FSO) communication was first demonstrated by Alexander Graham Bell in the late 19th century. In the experiment, Bell converted sound waves into electrical telephone signals, and then transmitted them between the two transceivers through free air space along a beam of light for some 600 feet distance. Calling his experimental device the photo phone, Bell considered ...

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