Experimental studies on realization of underwater optical communication link

Abstract

A comprehensive experimental setup for underwater optical communication (UWOC) is proposed in this paper. This UWOC real time setup provides an underwater communication link (using sea water) which is able to achieve reliable communication within a 3m long range. The minimum transmit power requirement for communication at a Bit Error Rate (BER) of 10-3 in the presence of turbulence (generated within the experimental setup) and stationary water has been determined. Two UWOC setups are implemented, first setup is designed by utilizing opaque PVC pipes and the second setup is designed by aquarium tank. These setups are used in conjunction with water jets and rotating plates (to bring about obstruction in the line of sight) to replicate conditions of underwater turbulence and blockage. This allows a realistic reconstruction of light wave propagation under the surface of the sea. Our proposed setup provides a platform for experimental studies on UWOC and convey the idea and it is helpful in the analysis of real time power budget required by the system. It provides a foundation for more comprehensive experimental platforms which will be designed to accurately mimic various disruptions that can be encountered with UWOC. The proposed UWOC helps in the development of constructive techniques that can mitigate the effects of the channel induced errors and ensure error free communication. � 2017 IEEE.