Propagation Properties of Annular Beam Array for Uplink Satellite Links

Gökçe M. C., Saathof R.

IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1109/tap.2025.3639155
  • Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, zbMATH
  • Keywords: Atmospheric turbulence, beam shaping, beam size, intensity, kurtosis, optical wave propagation, spatial diversity, Strehl ratio
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Spatial diversity and beam shaping are key approaches to mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation through free space. This study investigates the propagation characteristics of an annular beam array in atmospheric turbulence for uplink satellite links using the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and the Rytov method. Analytical derivations are presented for various optical parameters, including received intensity, kurtosis parameter, beam footprint size, Strehl ratio, beam wander, scintillation index, and bit-error-rate, to evaluate beam performance under turbulence conditions. The findings indicate that converting a Gaussian beam into an annular shape enhances performance, with further improvements observed as the number of beams increases.