Free-Space Optical Communications in Vehicular Networks Using Rectangular Guiding Models

This letter introduces free-space optical communication links in vehicular applications using potential guiding structures around a vehicle. An optical wireless communication system simulation is described, which delivers received power, bandwidth, and root mean square delay spread channel impulse response for purely diffuse and diffuse-specular materials with the omnidirectional and directed transmitters. In the former case, a bandwidth of 225 MHz with a power deviation of 25% results at the exit. For the latter, a 75-GHz bandwidth is available at the best, but with a power deviation of over 99% making receiver positioning critical. The impulse response is calculated using a modified Monte Carlo algorithm taking into account up to 15 reflections. The effect of the pipe bend angle on the path loss is also presented, and the simulation is supported with experimental work.