Error Probability of a Coherent M-ary PSK FSO System Influenced by Phase Noise

In this paper, we aim to develop an analytical framework for design and analysis of new generation mobile networks fronthaul/backhaul links based on the application of free-space optical (FSO) technology. Taking the receiver hardware imperfections into account, we present an efficient analytical approach in analyzing average symbol error probability (SEP) of the coherent FSO system employing M-ary phase-shift keying (PSK). Optical signal transmission is influenced by pointing errors and atmospheric turbulence. The signal intensity fluctuations caused by atmospheric turbulence are modeled by general Málaga (M) distribution, which takes into account the effect of multiple scattered components. We estimate the range of the signal-to-noise ratio at which the SEP floor appears, as well as the value of this non-removable error floor. The results illustrate that the effect of imperfect phase error compensation on the SEP is more critical under weaker turbulence conditions and for higher order modulation formats. Based on the analytical tools presented here, it is possible to estimate tolerable value of standard deviation of phase noise for the given value of SEP. This value of standard deviation is an important parameter in designing the phase-locked loop filter in the receiver.