Scientists have learned to transmit data by laser through atmospheric disturbances

Researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and the University of Bordeaux in France have demonstrated a new method of transmitting information using a laser that is resistant to distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence. The results of the experiment are published in the journal Science Advances.

The Essence of the Method

The scientists encoded data not in the conventional form of a laser beam, but in its topological properties—characteristics that remain preserved even under severe deformation. To achieve this, they used a special optical structure known as a skyrmion.

The tests were conducted on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Laser beams were transmitted between two buildings several hundred metres apart, where they were subjected to natural atmospheric turbulence. On the receiving side, the beam's shape was noticeably different from the original, yet the information encoded in its topology remained intact.

"Small-scale laboratory experiments had previously shown that topology could be a robust way to transmit data. This is the first time we have demonstrated such resilience on a real optical channel under natural atmospheric conditions," said lead author Kade Peters.

How the New Approach Improves on Existing Ones

Conventional free-space optical communication systems are forced to measure atmospheric distortions and compensate for them using complex equipment and computations. The new method allows information to be recovered without prior measurement and correction of interference. This potentially simplifies the hardware and reduces computational load.

Where the Technology Could Be Useful

According to the researchers, the development could find applications in long-distance optical communication links—including between Earth and satellites or spacecraft. The scientists also see its potential use in conventional and quantum communication systems. In the longer term, the method could improve communication quality in remote and infrastructure-poor areas.

For now, these are potential possibilities. Practical implementation will require additional testing and refinement of the technology.

In Brief

Scientists from South Africa and France have, for the first time, transmitted data by laser through real atmospheric conditions using the topological properties of light—optical skyrmions. Despite severe beam distortion caused by turbulence, the information was preserved. The new approach does not require complex interference compensation and could, in the future, be applied in satellite, space, and quantum communications.