Probability density function analysis for optimization of underwater optical communications systems

Underwater optical systems have real potential in the domain of wireless underwater communications. However, beam propagation through water is not well understood. While success has been achieved modeling the underwater channel using Monte Carlo methods, underwater beam propagation has, to our knowledge, yet to be fit to a true probabilistic model. This paper investigates the utility of the Lognormal, Weibull, and exponentiated Weibull probability density functions in modeling the underwater channel, using parameters developed for the free space domain. Beam propagation is tested under various salinity, temperature and turbidity conditions, and compared with brackish water from the Severn River.