Laser-filamentation-assisted 1.25 Gb/s video communication under harsh conditions

Abstract Beam scattering and wavefront distortion have always been an arduous hurdle for free-space optical communications. We demonstrate video communication assisted by laser filamentation through a cloud chamber, benefiting from the shock-wave-induced low-density channel. The optical power measured at the receiver exhibits periodic fluctuations dependent on the repetition rate of ultrashort pulse laser. Thus, to stabilize the communication quality, an automatic gain control unit is necessary. The analyses of receiver power, intensity distribution and eye diagram prove the effectiveness of this method. A scheme for long-distance applications has also been proposed.