Underwater and Water-Air Optical Wireless Communication

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 40; no. 5; pp. 1440 - 1452
• Main Authors: Chen, Lian-Kuan, Shao, Yingjie, Di, Yujie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.03.2022; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Absorption; Bandwidth; Beam steering; bubbles; Communication networks; Communications systems; Design optimization; digital signal processing; Optical communication; Optical distortion; Optical fiber communication; Optical receivers; Optical scattering; Optical wireless; Scattering; Space communication; spatial diversity; Systems design; Undersea; Underwater; underwater optical wireless communications; water-air optical wireless communications; waves; Wireless communications
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2021.3125140

Optical communication has been employed in a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, submarine, inter-satellite, and even space communication. It is particularly successful in fiber-based communication networks that vastly reshape modern life through the Internet. With the intensified activities such as undersea resource exploration, ecosystem monitoring, and recreation, underwater is an exciting new arena for optical wireless communication (OWC). In this paper, we review the recent progress of underwater and water-air OWC systems. Channel characterization, communication system design, and performance investigations are given. Critical limitations and effective mitigation methods to overcome the influence of bubbles and waves are presented. We also address the current issues for proper performance comparison under different wave conditions. With further research in channel modeling, device innovation, and system design optimization, practical and robust underwater and water-air OWC systems can be realized.