Modelling, Measurement and Correction of Underwater Turbulence Effects on Optical Communications

We report on progress made in the last few years at Fraunhofer IOSB with regards to understanding the effects that underwater turbulence poses for laser-based communications and also with regards to design and implementation of efficient wavefront correction strategies. We have pursued, through parallel efforts, analytical modelling of light propagation through oceanic turbulence, conception and validation of turbulence characterization methods, and construction of "wavefront sensorless" adaptive optics for underwater communications.