Availability measurement of experimental FSO system

Abstract

Proposed paper contains an appropriate opportunities how to get information about availability of Free Space Optic (FSO) systems. The FSO systems use infrared beams to transmit data via atmosphere. Transmission channel is unstable and unpredictable, so monitoring of environment is needed. Atmosphere phenomena decrease optical signal in different ways such as absorption, scattering and scintillation. The main negative influence on laser beam is caused by small particles of water; dust and smog in the air which size corresponds with using wavelengths in FSO systems. Thus, it is important to know behavior of atmosphere in area where the FSO system is working. In this article are shown two methods how to measure and evaluate information about weather conditions in local area and compute FSO availability from this data. Experimental results from long time measurements are also presented.