Undersea laser communication using polarization and wavelength modulation.

We report a technique to increase the data rate of a free-space all-undersea laser communication link using polarization and wavelength modulation. Measurements were made at various background light levels to estimate the required power increase as a function of bits per pulse. Transmission measurements were made of laser light through a 2-m-long tube filled with a mixture of Maalox and water to simulate ocean-water conditions for several receiver field-of-view (FOV) angles.

Laser propagation at 1.56 microm and 3.60 microm in maritime environments.

We report results from field experiments that have compared laser propagation at 1.565 microm and 3.603 microm in a variety of atmospheric conditions in a low-altitude maritime environment in order to quantify the relative effects of turbulence under realistic conditions.