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Social Good Innovators

Underwater Optical Communication

Communication networks are essential in people’s lives and social systems.
However, there is currently no sufficient communication network for underwater environments,
as existing technologies and products have proven elusive for handling various issues presented by the submarine world.
Kyocera aims to develop a new platform for "underwater optical wireless communication,"
a base technology that will drive numerous innovations and
help accelerate the industry.

  • Kazumi Nishikawa / Optical Transmission Business Development Department, Corporate Management Promotion Group

    Kazumi is responsible for the business development that initiated this project. He leads internal and external collaborations and promotes the project as the business manager.

  • Ryo Ishido / System Research & Development Management Department, Corporate R&D Group

    Ryo is involved in research and development tasks related to underwater optical wireless communication. He is in charge of technical matters, such as setting up and operating communication equipment for demonstrations.

INTRODUCTION

Fusion of the latest laser and
communication technologies.

Nishikawa:

It all started from 2021 when Kyocera acquired SLD Laser, one of the world's leading laser technology companies, as a wholly owned subsidiary. At the time, LEDs were the mainstream for underwater wireless optical communication and FSO (Free Space Optics), and there were issues with the amount of information that could be transmitted, the speed, and the distance. This led us to focus on laser light based Li-Fi (*) related technology. We felt that the combination of blue laser technology and Kyocera's communication technology had the potential to drastically change the conventional wisdom. Japan has a vast exclusive economic zone, but its marine resources are not being fully utilized.

However, underwater optical communication would surely contribute to society and lead to new ventures, so we have set to work on our business with great expectations and a sense of mission.

*Li-Fi, short for Light Fidelity, is a communication technology that stands apart from Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi uses wireless radio waves, Li-Fi uses infrared rays and other similar means. It is known for its high speed and low susceptibility to radio interference. In this project, a new communication mechanism was developed using blue to green wavelengths, which are not easily attenuated even underwater.

SOLUTION

Numerous innovations are being
created in underwater optical
wireless communication.

Ishido:

I realize this might be a new concept, but GaN-based lasers, which are visible light semiconductor lasers that use semi-polar gallium nitride, have the potential to transmit data two to three times faster than standard blue lasers. The main goal of the project is to utilize Kyocera's technology to achieve higher precision and multiplexing, enabling the transmission of large amounts of data at high speed and efficiency. This would lead to significant reductions in time and costs.

Nishikawa:
Simply put, we are building an environment that allows optical wireless communication underwater and in the ocean. Currently ROVs(unmanned submersibles)

require an environment where they can communicate wirelessly, taking into account the weight and load of the communication cables, as well as the risk of the cables getting tangled. However, acoustic communication has huge latency and slow data rate, and its control is not easy due to multi-path. We believe that underwater wireless optical communication using GaN-based lasers can solve these issues. If successful, this system could support daily life by facilitating energy and infrastructure facility inspections, aid in the development of the fisheries industry through smart aquaculture, and enable monitoring of microplastics, CO2 levels, and seafloor fluctuations, potentially leading to better earthquake prediction.

TECHNOLOGY

Every situation presents a challenge because it involves unexplored territory.

Ishido:
This project involves three technical points. The first is the development of a visible semiconductor laser using semi-polar gallium nitride. This technology enables high-speed communication underwater and over long distances.
The second point involves the use of technology for optics to precisely control light. This technology utilizes Kyocera's expertise in space communications.
The third point is the development of MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology, which enables multiple simultaneous communications. While this method is widely used on land, applying it underwater and to optical equipment is highly challenging. It is still under careful evaluation, including environmental development. Underwater optical wireless communication is an unexplored field, so we are developing it through trial and error.

Nishikawa:
In the initial stages of the project, we faced challenges such as a restricted budget and limited manpower, making it tough to even create a single demo unit. How can we ensure the business becomes sustainable? How do we translate our ideas into actual outcomes? I believe that being able to effectively communicate and motivate others to recognize the potential of this project is a crucial skill.

Comment from a fellow colleague

Comment from product development engineer

Sovan Das / KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.

We encountered several challenges in system development. Modulating high-power GaN-based lasers with a broad baseband signal introduces issues in communication systems due to nonlinearities. To address this, we are developing a unique laser-based technique. This project has gained attention from both the US government and industry, and we feel fortunate to be involved in an initiative that will contribute to a sustainable future.

Be fearless and work hard at new challenges. In doing so you will forge new friendships that help you in your cause.

Nishikawa:
The realization of underwater wireless optical communication will open up a variety of opportunities, such as improving the inspection of marine infrastructure facilities, enhancing digital transformation in the fishing industry, and expanding the search for natural resources on the seafloor. Through these and many more applications, countless business opportunities beyond our current imagination will be born. In this way, we hope to create a new technology platform for the creation of many new innovations.

Ishido:
I believe that there are numerous ocean-related fields that will progress through improved communications, and I would like to contribute to their advancement. As an engineer working in communications, I find it extremely rewarding to tackle the challenge of developing technologies in unexplored areas such as optical and underwater.

Nishikawa:
The world today may generally be a place where it is difficult to take on new challenges. However, diving into unique tasks can be enjoyable and naturally lead to forming new friendships through your hard work. I am personally excited about making new discoveries and am committed to taking on new challenges to ensure the success of this business.

*The content of this article is current at the time of the interview (July 2024).

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