A spatial diversity system to measure optical fading in an underwater communications channel

A two transmitter two receiver spatial diversity system was built for measuring and characterizing fading in underwater optical communication channels. The system allows the collection of laboratory generated interruptions of the optical beam from turbulence, particles, and bubbles. The data collected is characterized using fading metrics developed for atmospheric measurements. Spatial diversity is shown to decrease the amount of fading observed at the receiver to improve system performance.