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New optical system to revolutionize undersea communications | Scientists and engineers have devised an undersea optical communications system that-complemented by acoustics-enables a virtual revolution in high-speed undersea data collection and transmission.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists and engineers have devised
the new system. Compared to communication in the air, communicating underwater
is severely limited because water is essentially opaque to electromagnetic radiation
except in the visible band. Even then, light penetrates only a few hundred meters
in the clearest waters; less in sediment-laden or highly populated waters. Consequently,
acoustic techniques were developed, and are now the predominant mode of underwater
communications between ships and smaller, autonomous and robotic vehicles. However,
acoustic systems-though capable of long-range communication-transmit data at limited
speeds and delayed delivery rates due to the relatively slow speed of sound in
water. Now, Farr and his WHOI team have developed an optical communication system
that complements and integrates with existing acoustic systems to enable data
rates of up to 10-to-20 megabits per second over a range of 100 meters using relatively
low battery power with small, inexpensive transmitters and receivers. The advance
will allow near-instant data transfer and real-time video from un-tethered ROVs
and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) outfitted with sensors, cameras and
other data-collecting devices to surface ships or laboratories, which would require
only a standard UNOLS cable dangling below the surface for the relaying of data.
According to WHOI Senior Engineer Norman E. Farr, who led the research team, this
would represent a significant advance in undersea investigations of anything from
the acidity of water to identifying marine life to observing erupting vents and
seafloor slides to measuring numerous ocean properties. In addition, the optical
system would enable direct maneuvering of the vehicle by a human. The ability
to transfer information and data underwater without wires or plugging cables in
is a tremendous capability allowing vehicles or ships to communicate with sensors
on the seafloor. "Optical communications allows us to transfer large data sets,
like seismic data or tides or hydrothermal vent variations, in a time-efficient
manner," said co-investigator Maurice Tivey of WHOI. When the vehicle goes out
of optical range, it will still be within acoustic range, according to the researchers.
"Because it enables communications without the heavy tether-handling equipment
required for an ROV , the optical/acoustic system promises to require smaller,
less-expensive ships and fewer personnel to perform undersea missions," Farr said. |
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