Research Progress in Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Technology

Abstract

This paper comprehensively reviews underwater wireless optical communication UWOC technology, emphasizing its critical role in marine exploration and resource development. UWOC enables high-speed data transfer and large-scale information processing but faces challenges in complex underwater environments, including signal attenuation, scattering, turbulence, and the need for robust, corrosion/pressure-resistant transceivers. Important developments include advanced channel modeling that integrates turbulence effects and absorption-scattering dynamics (e.g., Gamma-Gamma distributions), non-line-of-sight NLOS transmission models that increase communication flexibility in turbid waters, and developments in light sources (energy-efficient LEDs, high-power LDs, and novel red-light/micro-LEDs for turbidity resistance), high-sensitivity receivers (PIN diodes, Si-PMTs), and signal processing (adaptive modulation/equalization improving data rates). Future research will concentrate on creating sophisticated hybrid modulation/coding for increased spectral efficiency, combining UWOC with acoustic/electromagnetic systems to facilitate long-range dependable communication as well as short-range high-speed communication, designing robust devices with specialized materials, and using machine learning for adaptive beam alignment and real-time channel state prediction. By overcoming technological constraints, these developments hope to unleash UWOC's potential to advance marine applications, ranging from underwater IoT networks to deep-sea exploration.