Adaptive optics correction in natural turbulent waters

The recently introduced power spectrum of the refractive index fluctuations of the natural oceanic water turbulence is applied to an underwater communication system in the presence of adaptive optics corrections. The effects of the average temperature (0-30 degrees C), the average salinity (0-400 degrees C/ppt), the temperature-salinity gradient ratio (0-400 degrees C/ppt), and the wavelength of the source (400-700 nm) on such a system are considered for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. It is revealed that even in the presence of adaptive optics the communication system's operation is severely affected by the regional and seasonal averages and fluctuations in the water's refractive index. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

This study first considers the effects of temperature, salinity, temperature-salinity gradient, and wavelength of the source on an underwater communication system. It is found that even with adaptive optics, the operation of the communication system is severely affected by the regional and seasonal averages and fluctuations in the water's refractive index.