Optical Spatial Modulation Over Atmospheric Turbulence Channels

We present a novel multiple-input multiple-output ( MIMO) optical modulation method combining antenna shift keying with joint pulse position and amplitude modulations. The proposed approach, denoted optical spatial modulation (OSM), offers better power and spectral efficiencies than conventional MIMO optical modulation methods. We also provide a theoretical analysis framework for the performance of both uncoded and coded OSM in free space optical communication channels with weak-to-moderate and moderate-to-strong atmospheric turbulence. Theoretical derivations are validated with simulations, which illustrate the feasibility of the proposed transceiver in key design metrics, such as spectral efficiency, error performance, and robustness against scintillation effects.