View source for Optical Communication in Free Space

=Overview=
Forum Link http://www.knoxvillehackerspace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13

=Milestones=
==Range==
*Demonstrate point to point communications across a room with Class IIIa lasers and no optics
*Demonstrate point to point communications across a field with Class IIIa lasers and optics present
*Determine distance limitations of point to point communications using Class IIIa lasers
*Procure Class IIIb lasers and necessary protective gear and attempt longer range communications
==Data Transfer Rate==
===Half Duplex===
*Go/No Go with simple breadboard circuit
*Simple voice communication with modulator and amplifier circuits
*High speed network communications
===Full Duplex===
*Go/No Go with simple breadboard circuit
*Simple voice communication with modulator and amplifier circuits
*High speed network communications

=Optics=
==Transmitter==
=== Lasers ===
A 5 mW green laser pointer is available from http://www.optotronics.com/green-laser-pointers.php with very good beam properties
Beam divergence: <1.2 mrad
Beam diameter: <1.5 mm
''
*Add equations for divergence and maybe wolfram alpha application for calculations''

=== LEDs ===

==Receiver==

=External Links=
Ronja Project http://ronja.twibright.com/

http://members.misty.com/don/laserfaq.htm

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserdps.htm

http://captain.haddock.8m.com/laser/laser1.html