Extended source transmitter for free space optical communication systems

A free-space optical communication system (FSOCS) transmitter, comprising:

• a spatially-extended light source including a laser to generate a mode-scrambled optical signal, the spatially extended light source further including a segment of multimode fiber having a first end positioned to receive a laser optical signal produced by the laser and a second end from which a mode-scrambled optical signal is emitted and wherein a portion of the segment of multimode fiber is configured in a series of alternating loops;
• a power controller, operatively coupled to drive the laser;
• and
• output optics, optically coupled to receive the mode-scrambled optical signal from the spatially-extended light source and direct the mode-scrambled optical signal outward from the FSOCS transmitter as an optical beam having a controlled divergence.