Advances in Optical Wireless Communication: Overcoming Scattering and Turbulence Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue embarks on a pioneering journey into the realm of free-space optical communications and the intricate modeling of optical turbulence and scattering phenomena. As interest in FSO systems has escalated, the need to address the persistent challenges hindering their optimal performance in severe scattering and turbulent conditions has become more urgent. Our mission is to explore the forefront of technological innovation and to overcome its obstacles with ingenuity and determination. To this end, we advocate for the adoption of groundbreaking methodologies, including the development of advanced modulation formats engineered to mitigate inter-symbol interference amidst turbulent environments. Additionally, we champion the deployment of turbulence-resistant laser beams, wavefront sensors endowed with robust capabilities to counteract scintillation effects, and the seamless integration of adaptive optics technologies. Furthermore, the seamless integration of free-space optical communication technologies into the ever-evolving landscape of 5G and beyond wireless networks stands as a paramount challenge. Spanning diverse environments encompassing indoor facilities like data centers, terrestrial networks powering mobile infrastructure, and the expansive realms of space communication (including inter-satellite and ground-to-satellite links, even extending to the depths of underwater sensing domains), this integration demands innovative solutions and strategic approaches. It necessitates a holistic understanding of the unique demands and complexities inherent to each setting, driving us to push the boundaries of technological possibilities and chart a course towards a future where seamless high-speed communication transcends the confines of traditional constraints. This Special Issue cordially invites original manuscripts on, but not limited to, the following:

• Atmospheric/oceanic turbulence modeling and simulation;
• Scattering and turbulence mitigation techniques;
• Fiber-wireless communication systems;
• Performance analysis and signal processing of advanced FSO systems;
• Channel capacity analysis;
• Hybrid underwater OWC/acoustic technology;
• Modulation, coding, and detection schemes;
• Relay-assisted technology;
• Adaptive optics techniques;
• Orbital angular momentum for FSO communication;
• Quantum-key distribution techniques.

Dr. Rubén Boluda-Ruiz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fiber-wireless communication systems
• hybrid underwater OWC
• adaptive optics techniques