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Free-space Optical CommunicationFree-space optical communication involves the use of optical links across the space between two points, either within the Earth's atmosphere, or in outer space. The optical links usually use laser light, although low-data-rate communication over short distances is possible using LEDs. IrDA is a very simple form of free-space optical communications. For longer distances, a pair of telescopes is used at each end, with a laser and photosensors mounted in each telescope. Free-space optical communications has a number of uses: For terrestrial applications, the limiting factors are the attenuation of the beam by: For space applications, none of these defects applies, and free-space optical communications is potentially usable at interstellar distances. See also References - Kontogeorgakis, Christos; Millimeter Through Visible Frequency Waves Through Aerosols-Particle Modeling, Reflectivity and Attenuation
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