Assessment of laser tracking and data transfer for underwater optical communications

Malcolm A. Watson; Paul M Blanchard; Chris Stace; Priya K. Bhogul; Henry J. White; Anthony E. Kelly; Scott Watson; Manousos Valyrakis; Stephen P. Najda; Lucja Marona; Piotr Perlin

doi:10.1117/12.2073675

17 October 2014 Assessment of laser tracking and data transfer for underwater optical communications

Malcolm A. Watson, Paul M Blanchard, Chris Stace, Priya K. Bhogul, Henry J. White, Anthony E. Kelly, Scott Watson, Manousos Valyrakis, Stephen P. Najda, Lucja Marona, Piotr Perlin

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9248, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks X; 92480T (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2073675
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2014, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

We report on an investigation into optical alignment and tracking for high bandwidth, laser-based underwater optical communication links. Link acquisition approaches (including scanning of narrow laser beams versus a wide-angle ‘beacon’ approach) for different underwater laser-based communications scenarios are discussed. An underwater laserbased tracking system was tested in a large water flume facility using water whose scattering properties resembled that of a turbid coastal or harbour region. The lasers used were state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled, high modulation bandwidth gallium nitride (GaN) devices. These operate at blue wavelengths and can achieve powers up to ~100 mW. The tracking performance and characteristics of the system were studied as the light-scattering properties of the water were increased using commercial antacid (Maalox) solution, and the results are reported here. Optical tracking is expected to be possible even in high scattering water environments, assuming better components are developed commercially; in particular, more sensitive detector arrays. High speed data transmission using underwater optical links, based on blue light sources, is also reported.

Citation Download Citation

Malcolm A. Watson, Paul M Blanchard, Chris Stace, Priya K. Bhogul, Henry J. White, Anthony E. Kelly, Scott Watson, Manousos Valyrakis, Stephen P. Najda, Lucja Marona, and Piotr Perlin "Assessment of laser tracking and data transfer for underwater optical communications", Proc. SPIE 9248, Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks X, 92480T (17 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2073675

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available