Underwater turbulence and optical beam propagation

This specialized training explores the complex interactions between underwater turbulence and optical beam propagation, a crucial area for applications such as underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC), remote sensing, and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems. Unlike atmospheric turbulence, underwater turbulence is driven by temperature gradients, salinity variations, and energy dissipation, which introduce unique challenges to beam stability and signal integrity. Participants will learn about the physical mechanisms of underwater turbulence, beam distortion phenomena, and how to model and mitigate their effects using both analytical tools and simulation techniques. The training includes insights into recent research findings and technological advances aimed at enhancing performance in underwater optical systems.

* Fundamentals of underwater optical propagation and turbulence mechanisms * Turbulence drivers: temperature/salinity gradients, Kolmogorov turbulence, dissipation rates * Key effects: beam wander, scintillation, spreading, and wavefront distortion * Modeling approaches for underwater turbulence (e.g., structure function, correlation length) * Impact on UWOC system performance (e.g., QBER, signal attenuation, ISI) * Mitigation techniques: beam shaping, spatial diversity, adaptive optics * Evaluation tools and simulation practices for underwater propagation * Applications: underwater communications, environmental monitoring, naval sensing

* Engineers and researchers in underwater optics, UWOC, and oceanography * Professionals in defense, marine technology, and autonomous systems * Graduate students in photonics, optical engineering, or fluid dynamics * Developers of underwater sensing and imaging platforms