Likelihood based synchronization algorithms in optical pulse position modulation systems with photon-counting receivers

Abstract

Deep space optical communication (DSOC) is becoming a hot topic. Pulse position modulation (PPM) is an effective tool to realize DSOC benefiting from the feature of high sensitivity. In this paper, we analyze 2 × 1 optical PPM systems with photon-counting detectors, where the distance difference between the two links causes asynchronous superpositions at the receiving end. Two synchronization algorithms are proposed to estimate the time offsets of the two links, which are the optimal Global Maximum Likelihood Estimation (GMLE) and the suboptimal Integer Comparison - Fractional Likelihood Estimation (ICFLE). The complexities of the two methods are also compared. In order to measure the two proposed algorithms, the Cramer-Rao bounds (CRB) are derived. According to simulation results, both the two proposed algorithms approach the deduced CRBs. Furthermore, an equivalent experiment is designed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. It’s also indicated that the proposed algorithms may be utilized in practical systems.