Simulation analysis of underwater wireless optical communication based on Monte Carlo method and experimental research in complex hydrological environment

Abstract

This paper aims to address the challenges of short optical communication distances and high Bit Error Rates (BERs) caused by seawater absorption, scattering, and underwater turbulence. This paper establishes an optical communication channel model based on the Monte Carlo method and simulates and analyzes the process of received optical power attenuation when light is transmitted underwater due to absorption and scattering. The simulation model focuses on the influence of seawater type, transmission distance, receiver position, and angle on the received optical power attenuation. The results of this simulation will provide theoretical support for the development of prototype underwater optical communication systems and experiments in complex environments. To solve the long-range weak signal reception and processing issues in underwater optical wireless communication systems, this paper proposes the design and implementation of an underwater optical wireless communication system using optimized on-off keying high-power light-emitting diode/laser diode modulation technology and avalanche photodiode (APD)/photomultiplier (PMT) receiver modules. In addition, this paper describes the design of the underwater optical communication host computer software, which provides functions such as mode selection, BER monitoring, and file transfer. To test the performance of the proposed system, this paper conducts experiments in a 35 m long pool, fixed platform, and underwater mobile platform, as well as cross-air-water interface optical communication performance test experiments in a complex hydrological environment. The results show that the system achieved a 35 m underwater medium communication distance, transmission rate of 5–20 Mbps, and cross-domain wireless optical communication function under the condition of a BER of less than 10−6. The experiments also revealed that the communication distance decreases as the turbidity of the water body increases and the PMT receiver module selected at the receiver end has a longer communication distance than the APD receiver module. Overall, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed technology for underwater optical communication systems in complex waters, providing theoretical and data support for the next engineering practice.