The Research on Ocean Polarized Light Fields at Different Depths for Polarization Navigation

Abstract

The feasibility of underwater polarization navigation technology in low visibility waters, especially in large depths, has always been questioned. To explore the influence of depth on underwater polarization navigation technology, we study the ocean polarized light fields at different depths. In this paper, we first establish the model of the coupled atmosphere-surface-underwater optical transmission, which can simulate the underwater polarization patterns at different depths. Then underwater detection equipment with ROV and polarization camera is constructed and we use it for underwater experiments. Finally, we research the effects of other environmental factors through experiment and simulation. Our study provides theoretical references for the application of underwater polarization navigation. Based on previous research work, this paper builds a relatively complete underwater polarization transmission model, which improves the polarization transmission theory. Underwater experiment results further prove the feasibility of underwater polarization navigation technology at deep depths. Due to the robustness of polarized light, polarization navigation technology also has great application potential in low visibility underwater.INDEX TERMS Ocean polarized light field, underwater depth, polarization navigation, Monte-Carlo method