Advancements and Challenges in Underwater Wireless Optical Communication in the Marine Environment

Underwater wireless communication represents an important field for various applications such as oceanographic data collection, environmental monitoring, and the operation of autonomous underwater vehicles. The transmission of information through the marine environment can be done by acoustic, radio frequency (RF), and optical signals, with each technique having advantages and limitations. This paper focuses primarily on optical communication, which is based on the transmission of light in the visible spectrum through water. This type of communication offers significant advantages over acoustic and RF methods, primarily in terms of high data rates and lower latency, which are essential for real-time applications. However, optical communication also faces unique challenges, including light absorption and scattering, which can significantly degrade signal quality and limit the effective range of communication. This paper covers the theoretical foundations of optical communication and explains its principles, methods, and the technological advances that have been made in the field. It also discusses the current limitations and challenges of optical communication, such as light attenuation under various undersea conditions and the difficulties in aligning and maintaining stable communication links. Despite these challenges, optical communication remains a promising avenue for high-speed communication in marine environments, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing its robustness and range.