Long Range Fiber Optic Data Communications

Inventors: Richard Camilli, Frederick Sonnichsen, Albert M. Bradley, and Steven A. Lerner
Publication No. US8340526 B2

Overview: A re-configurable, long-range, underwater data-communication network. The network provides a low cost, low power, lightweight, and easy to deploy underwater communication system capable of being operated at long distances using fiber optics. This technology allows for longer term seafloor observation and data acquisition of complex natural phenomena.

Technology: The system includes a cabled ocean observatory, which is deployed underwater and connected to a surface buoy. The cabled ocean observatory can then be connected to one or more removable underwater sensors via fiber optic cables which may be disposed at underwater locations at long distances from the cabled ocean observatory. The fiber optic extension modules can be permanently connected to each end of the fiber optic cables and include an optical transceiver, a power supply, and an inductive element for removably coupling an underwater sensor or the cabled ocean observatory to the fiber optic cable.