Optical Communication Systems and Methods

摘要

An underwater system including at least one input device that is in sensory communication with water and generates input signals. The system further includes at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver that allow omni-directional transmission and reception through water of optical signals representing the input signals, and allow data rates greater than 1 Mbps.

主权项

1. An underwater communication system, comprising:
at least one input device capable of being in sensory communication with water and capable of generating input signals; a transmitter having a source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation representative of the input signals, and a diffuser having a substantially hemispherical surface, for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation at a rate of at least 1 Mbps along a plurality of radii defined by the surface for diffusing the electromagnetic radiation and disposed in a position surrounding a portion of the source for diffusing the electromagnetic radiation in a plurality of directions; and a receiver having a substantially hemispherical surface for receiving the electromagnetic radiation along a plurality of radii defined by the surface and being capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation passing at least 20 m through a high light scattering medium, such that the electromagnetic radiation can be received in substantially any direction; wherein the transmitter and the receiver are physically separated from each other; and wherein the electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic waves of wavelength in the optical spectrum between 300 nm and 800 nm.