Systems and methods for free-space optical communication

Abstract

A system for free-space optical communication includes a first light source configured to emit an information signal, a spatial light modulator configured to shape the information signal, a second light source configured to emit a plurality of beam pulses, at least one spiral phase plate configured to convert each of the plurality of beam pulses into a plurality of vortical beam filaments, and a mirror coupler configured to combine the information signal and the plurality of vortical beam filaments to form a multi-filament beam having the plurality of vortical beam filaments embedded within the information signal. When the multi-filament beam passes through an optically obstructed space the plurality of vortical beam filaments are configured to clear at least one channel in the optically obstructed space for the information signal to pass through.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.