Satellite, Surface, and Subsurface Optical Communications

Abstract

Optical communication in the atmosphere, space, the marine boundary layer, and underwater are being investigated for a variety of applications. Three classes of optical communications systems will be addressed: OCULT (Optical Communications Using Laser Transceivers), ELOS (Extended Line-of-Sight) optical communications and satellite to subsurface optical communications. OCULT is a 10.6μ high rate reciprocal tracking heterodyne laser communications system designed for nearly all-weather duplex video bandwidth communications to horizon limited ranges. Of special interest are effects of coherent propagation through fogs and turbulence. The ELOS system is a 1.06μ optical aerosol scatter communications system for ranges of 30 to 300 miles. Scattering measurement at 40 to 80 miles through the marine boundary layer will be presented. The satellite to subsurface communication efforts deal with blue/green transmission from a satellite, through the atmosphere (including clouds) to a submerged receiver, exploiting the blue/green "window" in ocean water. The multiple forward scattered and diffusion transport of serm-plane waves through clouds and ocean waters will be discussed.