Non-line-of-sight single-scatter propagation model

A propagation model that describes the temporal characteristics of singly scattered radiation in a homogeneous scattering and absorbing medium is presented. The model generalizes previous results in the area and is used to analyze the angular spectrum of singly scattered energy as well as the impulse-response durations and path losses of short-range non-line-of-sight optical communication systems. It is shown that the angular response starts to drop off significantly at an off-axis angle equal to the receiver half-field of view. It is also shown that lower path losses correspond to longer impulse responses so that a lower available bandwidth is indicated. These results are based on numerical examples motivated by the operation of non-line-of-sight communications links in the middle-ultraviolet wave band.