Menu

Laser Communications

Laser communications constitute the next generation of secure, ultra-high-throughput space and terrestrial communications, free from spectrum licensing constraints. Cailabs’ light shaping technology greatly enhances the performance of its TILBA® laser communications product line, delivering unmatched reliability and ease of deployment.

Bandeau Laser Communication

FAQ

Frequently asked questions
What are free-space optical communications?

Free-space optical communication (FSO) is a technology that transmits data through light traveling in free space, such as air, vacuum, or outer space, without using physical cables. Instead of relying on fiber optics, FSO systems use lasers to send information between two points in a wireless optical link.

What differentiates optical communication from RF (radio frequency) communication?

The main performance differences between optical and radio frequency (RF) communications stem from their operating frequencies. Optical systems, which use light, offer a much wider bandwidth, enabling data rates up to 100 times faster and significantly lower latency than RF links. They also provide enhanced security and stealth, thanks to the high directionality of the optical beam and are completely immune to electromagnetic interference. However, RF communications remain more robust in adverse weather conditions and not affected by atmospheric turbulence, while being able to operate without a direct line of sight.

How does TILBA® handle atmospheric turbulence in optical links?

TILBA® builds on three core building-block technologies, TILBA®-ATMO, TILBA®-IBC, and TILBA®-CBC, all derived from Cailabs’ proprietary Multi-Plane Light Conversion (MPLC) technology.

✓ TILBA®-ATMO provides Rx turbulence mitigation without adaptive optics, using a fully passive and non-mechanical approach.

✓ TILBA®-IBC leverages Incoherent Beam Combining for Tx turbulence mitigation, enhancing transmission robustness under turbulent atmospheric conditions.

✓ TILBA®-CBC leverages Coherent Beam Combining to enhance transmission performance by phase-aligning multiple laser beams into a single, powerful and coherent output.

All TILBA® FAQs

Light is the Future. And We are Shaping it.

Cailabs is a deeptech company specializing in photonics. Our field of action is vast and continually expanding: telecommunications, industry and now space. Join Cailabs to tackle the great challenges of tomorrow.

Ingénieurs optiques Cailabs