Gaussian-Shaped Free-Space Optical Beam Intensity Estimation in Detector Arrays

Photon counting detector arrays are commonly used for deep space optical communication receivers operating on the principle of intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD). In scenarios where beam parameters can vary at receiver due to scattering, it is important estimate in order minimize probability error. The use array detectors increases sensitivity as compared single photo-detector same size. this paper, we present derivation a maximum likelihood estimator (ML) peak intensity, providing both numerical and closed form expressions estimator. Performance forms ML using mean squared error (MSE) criterion Cramer–Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) also derived assess proposed estimator’s efficiency. This research contributed advancement estimation techniques has practical implications optimizing systems.