Inherent Optical Properties in Various Water Media

Abstract

Laser beam attenuation in material media, particularly in various water types, significantly contributes to restricting information on transmission in communication systems. Consequently, studying this phenomenon is crucial in comprehending how laser beams interact with material media. The research outlines a laboratory-based optical communication system, comprised of a light source, a short water channel, and a photodetector, in order to replicate varying concentrations of water and increasing temperatures. We study the effect of various physical factors, namely temperature, salinity, and turbidity, on the absorption and scattering of light. Through our analysis, we have observed that an increase in the water temperature correlates with an increase in light attenuation. We have noted that the water temperature differently affects propagation of laser radiation at different wavelengths when experimenting with clear, salt, and turbid water types. Furthermore, we have observed that the attenuation function exhibits a nearly quadratic dependence on the water temperature in the case of salted and turbid water. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to determination of influential factors, such as temperature fluctuations, which can lead to the advancement of underwater photography. Furthermore, the topography of the ocean surface can be accurately represented through laser measurements used to determine temperature and salinity at different depths.