Abstract: An apparatus for enabling acousto-optic communication comprising an in-water platform comprising means for emitting an acoustic signal to an acousto-optic interaction zone, an in-air platform comprising the ability for transmitting a first optical interrogation beam, the ability for receiving a portion of the first interrogation beam and a second laser beam formed from the reflection of the first interrogation beam off of the acousto-optic interaction zone, the ability for measuring and outputting a plurality of optical interferences between the portion of the first interrogation beam and the second reflected beam, and a signal converter receiving as input the plurality of optical interferences and outputting an electrical signal representing the received acoustic telemetry signal at the interrogation point at the air-water interface.

Abstract: A buoy system bi-directionally communicates in-air and underwater. A buoy having a shell to float on water has an upper portion in air and a lower portion in water. An array of acoustic transducers which is disposed in the lower portion receives acoustic signals and transmits acoustic signals. A dome-shaped retro-reflective coating on the upper portion is vibrated for retro-reflecting impinging laser illumination as data signals in air. An array of photo-detectors on the upper portion are responsive to impinging laser control signals and/or signals which may be transmitted as acoustic signals in water.

Abstract: A method for coupling fiber optic elements includes providing a hollow wax housing. A first fiber optic element is inserted in a first direction into the housing to position a free end thereof in the housing. A second fiber optic element is inserted into the housing from an opposite direction to position a free end of the second fiber optic element in the housing confronting the first fiber optic element free end. The housing is filled with optical grade epoxy resin which is permitted to cure, thereby to effect physical and optical connection between the first and second fiber optic elements. The free ends are in close proximity, or in the case of coupling from one strand to many, in enough of a spaced relation to cause needed light diffusion.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a photon transducer system is provided for obtaining information on acoustic signals within a fluid environment. The photon transducer system uses a laser-based Doppler interferometer located within a pressure release surface. The pressure release surface is formed by generating a gas pocket in the fluid, creating a boundary layer between the laser light source and the surrounding fluid. Laser light is reflected from the boundary and is detected by the interferometer to obtain the Doppler velocity of the pressure release surface. The pressure incident on the boundary can be determined from the measured velocity, providing information on the incident acoustic pressure.