Investigation of the Possibility of Using Optical Cables in Remote Control Systems Operating in Underwater Conditions

The study considers the possibility of using optical cables in remote control systems operated in underwater conditions. The operability of the optical microcable design to a hydrostatic pressure of 10 MPa has been confirmed. In order to determine the possibility of using optical microcables in seawater, they were exposed to salt solution simulating concentrated seawater of several versions of microcables. Graphs of the dependence of the attenuation coefficient on the exposure time in water with a salinity of 380‰ are given for all types of the studied samples. Using a microscope, the appearance of the outer coating of optical microcables and the quartz surface of the light guide after prolonged exposure to salt solution was examined. Thermogravimetric analysis and thermomechanical analysis of the studied samples are given.The frequency of forced Mandelstamm-Brillouin scattering (Brillouin frequency) in optical fibers of microcables was monitored. The results of the studies confirmed the possibility of using the developed microcables with dense protective coatings made of UV-cured acrylate in systems for remote control of underwater objects.