Related papers: Interstellar communication. I. Maximized data rate…
The optimal frequency for interstellar communication, using "Earth 2017" technology, was derived in papers I and II of this series (arXiv:1706.03795, arXiv:1706.05570). The framework included models for the loss of photons from diffraction…
We have shown in paper I of this series (arXiv:1706.03795) that interstellar communication to nearby (pc) stars is possible at data rates of bits per second per Watt between a 1 m sized probe and a large receiving telescope (E-ELT, 39 m),…
We have explored the optimal frequency of interstellar photon communications and benchmarked other particles as information carriers in previous papers of this series. We now compare the latency and bandwidth of sending probes with…
We develop a model for an interstellar communication network that is composed of relay nodes that transmit diffraction-limited beams of photons. We provide a multi-dimensional rationale for such a network of communication in lieu of…
Data rates in an interstellar communication network suffer from the inverse square law due to the vast distances between the stars. To achieve high (Gbits/s) data rates, some combination of large apertures and high power is required.…
A downlink for the return of scientific data from space probes at interstellar distances is studied. The context is probes moving at relativistic speed using a terrestrial directed-energy beam for propulsion, necessitating very-low mass…
Radio communication over interstellar distances is studied, accounting for noise, dispersion, scattering and motion. Large transmitted powers suggest maximizing power efficiency (ratio of information rate to average signal power) as opposed…
Previous and ongoing searches for extraterrestrial optical and infrared nanosecond laser pulses and narrow line-width continuous emissions have so far returned null results. At the commonly used observation cadence of $\sim 10^{-9}\,$s,…
The design of a downlink communication system for returning scientific data from an interstellar flyby probe is reviewed in this tutorial white paper. It its assumed that the probe is ballistic, and data is downloaded during a period…
The search for extraterrestrial communication has mainly focused on microwave photons since the 1950s. We compare other high speed information carriers to photons, such as electrons, protons, and neutrinos, gravitational waves, inscribed…
Exploration of the Universe requires communication with Earth, either on a direct path or through a cascade of proximate celestial bodies. Microwaves have traditionally been used for space communication, but electromagnetic waves of higher…
Microwave digital communication at interstellar distances applies to starship and extraterrestrial civilization (SETI and METI) communication. Large distances demand large transmitted power and/or large antennas, while the propagation is…
This tutorial reviews the Holevo capacity limit as a universal tool to analyze the ultimate transmission rates in a variety of optical communication scenarios, ranging from conventional optically amplified fiber links to free-space…
Breakthrough Starshot is an initiative to propel a sailcraft to Alpha Centauri within the next generation. As the sailcraft transits Alpha Centauri at 0.2 c, it looks for signs of life by imaging planets and gathering other scientific data.…
To expand frontiers and achieve measurable progress, instruments such as hyperspectral imagers are increased in resolution, field of view, and spectral resolution and range, leading to dramatically higher data volumes. Increasingly, data…
Since it began \cite{CocconiMorrison}, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has focused on interstellar \emph{classical} communication. Recently, Berera \cite{Berera:2020rpl} pointed out that, at certain frequencies, photon…
We have previously argued that targeted interstellar communication has a physical optimum at narrowband X-ray wavelengths $\lambda\approx1\,$nm, limited by the surface roughness of focusing devices at the atomic level (arXiv:1711.05761). We…
A system of synchronized radio telescopes is utilized to search for hypothetical wide bandwidth interstellar communication signals. Transmitted signals are hypothesized to have characteristics that enable high channel capacity and minimally…
Extraterrestrial communication signals are hypothesized to be present in an extensive search space. Using principles of communication theory and system design, methods are studied and implemented to reduce the signal search space, while…
The ubiquity of information transmission via molecular communication between cells is comprehensively documented on Earth; this phenomenon might even have played a vital role in the origin(s) and early evolution of life. Motivated by these…