Suppression of intensity fluctuations in free space high-speed optical communication based on spectral encoding of a partially coherent beam

A new concept of a free space, high-speed (Gbps) optical communication system based on spectral encoding of radiation from a broadband pulsed laser is developed. It is shown that, in combination with the use of partially coherent laser beams and a relatively slow photosensor, scintillations can be suppressed by orders of magnitude for distances of more than 10 km.