Extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths are described. In some implementations, a line of gas bubbles may be generated in an aqueous environment by releasing gas through a porous medium in response to a signal from a platform. A communication path may be established between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, with the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles. A radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, propagating through the line of gas bubbles. The conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path may be reduced by maintaining the line of gas bubbles, thereby improving the propagation of the radio frequency signal and extending the communication range underwater.

Description

EXTENDING UNDERWATER RADIO SIGNAL RANGE WITH GAS BUBBLE PATHSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 63 / 672,344 entitled “Systems and Methods to Extend Radio Communications Range Underwater Using Gas Bubbles” filed on July 17, 2024, assigned to the assignee hereof, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more specifically to extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths.BACKGROUND

[0003] Underwater communication systems may rely on various technologies to transmit signals through aqueous media. Radio frequency signals may be used for communication between submerged devices, such as antennas, sensors, or vehicles. These systems may operate in diverse aquatic conditions, including freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater. Signal transmission may involve the use of antennas positioned above or below the water surface, with configurations tailored to specific operational requirements.SUMMARY

[0004] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths. Some implementations address the challenges of underwater radio frequency communication by introducing a system and method that may utilize a line of gas bubbles to create a low-conductivity medium for signal propagation. This approach may involve the use of a gas source, such as a porous obstacle, to generate a controlled path of bubbles between submerged antennas. The presence of these bubbles may significantly reduce the average conductivity of the water along the signal path, thereby enhancing the transmission of radio frequency signals.

[0005] By forming a line of bubbles, the system may effectively create a medium with lower electrical conductivity, allowing radio frequency signals to propagate more efficiently between antennas. This method may not only extend the range of underwater communication but also improve the reliability of signal transmission. The controlled generation of bubbles may be tailored to specific communication needs, providing flexibility in various underwater environments. These implementations may offer a promising advancement in the field of underwater communication, enabling more effective and reliable communication with submerged devices and assets.

[0006] A system for underwater RF communication is described. The system may include a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, with bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles. The system may include a plasmonic antenna positioned to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed.

[0007] A method of forming a system for underwater radio frequency communication is described. The method may include providing a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles. The method may include positioning a plasmonic antenna to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed.

[0008] Some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein may further include a mechanism to adjust the flow rate of the source of gas bubbles. The mechanism may create steady bubbles in water, enhancing the interaction with the plasmonic antenna.

[0009] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water. The turbulent bubbles may provide a dynamic medium for the plasmonic antenna to detect surface electromagnetic waves.

[0010] Some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein may further include a sensor to detect no bubbles in water. The sensor may be configured to activate the source of gas bubbles in response to the detection.

[0011] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the plasmonic antenna may be positioned to enhance dipole antenna resonances in water. The resonances may be influenced by the bubbles formed.

[0012] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles formed in water. The bubbles may reduce the average conductivity of the water along a communication path.

[0013] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be positioned to create steady bubbles in water. The steady bubbles may facilitate communication between underwater devices.

[0014] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water. The turbulent bubbles may enable dynamic adjustments to the communication path.

[0015] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the plasmonic antenna may be positioned to detect dipole antenna resonances in water. The resonances may be influenced by the bubbles formed.

[0016] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles in water in response to a detected communication signal requirement.

[0017] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles in water to facilitate communication with underwater vehicles.

[0018] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles in water to enhance the propagation of surface electromagnetic waves.

[0019] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles in water to create a medium with reduced conductivity for radio frequency communication.

[0020] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the source of gas bubbles may be configured to generate bubbles in water to support communication with underwater assets positioned along a bubbled path.

[0021] A method for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths is described. The method may include generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium. The method may include establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles. The method may include transmitting an RF signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the RF signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles. The method may include reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.

[0022] A system configured for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths is described. The system may include a processor and memory coupled with the processor. The system may include instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the system to generate a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium. The system may establish a communication path between a first antenna and a secondantenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles. The system may transmit a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles. The system may reduce conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an environment in which some implementations of the disclosed technology can operate.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows underwater communication system which supports techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows underwater communication system which supports techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a graph illustrating comparative S21 communication signal measurements taken under a no-bubbles condition and a turbulent-bubbles condition, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a graph illustrating the S21 communication signal measurements between two antennas in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a graph illustrating the comparative S21 communication signal measurements between two antennas in various underwater conditions in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows a graph illustrating the comparative signal transmission performance of underwater radio frequency communication systems under bubbled and non-bubbled conditions in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an apparatus that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a bubble-mediated communication component that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a system including a device that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 11 and 12 show flowcharts illustrating methods that support extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods that support techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths are disclosed. In some examples, the primary challenge in underwater communication may be the rapid attenuation of radio frequency signals due to the high conductivity of water. This attenuation may severely restrict the range and reliability of communication systems, particularly in saltwater environments. Existing solutions, such as acoustic and optical communication, may offer limited data rates and may often be affected by environmental factors like noise and turbidity. These limitations may hinder the ability to maintain consistent and long-range communication with submerged devices, such as unmanned underwater vehicles and sensors. There may be a pressing need for a novel approach that may effectively extend the range of radio frequency communication underwater, providing a reliable and efficient means of transmitting signals over greater distances.

[0035] In some implementations, radio frequency communication systems may utilize a line of gas bubbles to create a medium with reduced electrical conductivity, enabling the transmission of signals underwater. These systems may address the inherent challenges posed by the high conductivity of water, which typically impedes the propagation of radio frequency signals. By introducing a controlled path of gas bubbles, the systems may establish a low-conductivity medium that facilitates improved signal transmission between submerged antennas. The gas bubbles may act as a conduit, reducing signal loss and enabling reliable communication in underwater environments. This approach may provide a practical solution for overcoming the limitations of traditional underwater communication methods, which often rely on acoustic or optical signals that may suffer from attenuation or scattering.

[0036] The systems may include a gas source, such as an air stone, to generate a line of bubbles within the water. Gas, such as air, may be pumped through the air stone to create the bubble path, which may serve as the medium for signal propagation. Alternative configurations, such as fixed nozzles or porous materials, may also be employed to produce the bubbles, offering flexibility in system design. The bubble path may be dynamically controlled by adjusting the flow intensity of the gas source, allowing for modifications to the density and behavior of thebubbles. This dynamic control may enable the creation of steady or turbulent bubble conditions, depending on the specific requirements of the communication setup. Such adaptability may make the systems suitable for a wide range of underwater applications.

[0037] The bubble path may naturally float upwards due to the buoyancy of the gas bubbles, creating a vertical channel of reduced conductivity that may connect antennas positioned at different depths. This reduction in conductivity along the bubble path may significantly enhance the propagation of radio frequency signals between the antennas. The systems may include two antennas (e.g., one submerged antenna and another antenna that may be positioned either above or below the water surface. The submerged antenna may be equipped with the gas source to generate the bubble path, while the second antenna may receive or transmit signals through the low-conductivity medium. The vertical separation of the antennas, combined with the bubble path, may enable efficient signal transmission even in challenging underwater environments.

[0038] Some implementations may be particularly useful in scenarios involving moving underwater vehicles, such as unmanned underwater vehicles or torpedoes. In such cases, a bubble path may be formed behind the moving vehicle, enabling wireless communication during its movement. Alternatively, the systems may be used in stationary setups, where the gas source may create a bubble path to facilitate communication with submerged devices or assets. The systems may operate within a frequency range of 500 megahertz to 2.500 gigahertz, with notable signal improvements observed in the range of 1.000 gigahertz to 2.500 gigahertz. Experimental results may demonstrate that the presence of the bubble path may improve signal transmission by up to 10 decibels at the eigenfrequency of the underwater dipole antenna, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach.

[0039] Comparative measurements may be conducted to evaluate system performance under various conditions, including scenarios without bubbles, with a steady bubble path, and with a turbulent bubble path. These measurements may consistently show enhanced signal transmission in both steady and turbulent bubble conditions compared to scenarios without bubbles. The systems may be scalable and adaptable, allowing the bubble path to be tailored in length, density, and flow intensity to meet specific communication requirements. Additionally, the systems may be compatible with conventional dipole antennas and may function effectively in freshwater, brackish water, or saltwater environments. The bubble path may reduce conductivity in all these conditions, making the systems versatile for diverse underwater communication needs.

[0040] The systems may also allow for selective activation of the gas source, enabling the bubble path to be created only when communication is required. This feature may ensure efficient use of resources and minimize unnecessary bubble generation, making the systems moreenergy-efficient. The bubble path may act as a reliable medium for radio frequency signals, reducing signal loss and enabling real-time communication between underwater devices. Applications may include remote control, data transmission, and asset monitoring, as well as wireless in-flight control of fast-moving underwater vehicles, such as torpedoes. By maintaining a communication link along the bubble trail, the systems may support critical underwater operations with high reliability and efficiency.

[0041] Laboratory demonstrations may validate the effectiveness of these systems in enhancing underwater radio frequency communication. A typical setup may include a large freshwater container, two conventional dipole antennas, and a gas source, such as an air stone, for bubble generation. The submerged antenna may be placed near the bottom of the container, with the bubble path floating upwards to connect the antennas. Signal measurements conducted in this controlled environment may confirm the significant improvements in signal transmission enabled by the bubble path. These findings may underscore the potential of the systems to revolutionize underwater communication by providing a robust and adaptable solution for transmitting radio frequency signals in conductive aquatic environments.

[0042] Aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. The described techniques may be implemented to support enhanced underwater communication reliability by mitigating signal attenuation through the creation of a low-conductivity bubble path. The systems may enable dynamic adjustments to bubble density and flow intensity, which may optimize signal propagation based on environmental conditions or operational requirements. The bubble path may facilitate communication across varying depths, allowing submerged devices to maintain connectivity with surface or underwater assets. The described methods may provide a scalable solution for underwater communication, accommodating diverse applications such as remote monitoring, data transmission, and real-time control of submerged vehicles. The systems may operate effectively in different water types, including freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater, ensuring versatility across a range of aquatic environments. By leveraging the buoyancy-driven formation of the bubble path, the systems may reduce the need for complex mechanical positioning of antennas, simplifying deployment and maintenance.

[0043] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of communication systems. Aspects of the disclosure are additionally illustrated by and described with reference to example implementations. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to a flowchart that relates to methods involving extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 that demonstrates the concept of SEWs, in accordance with one or more implementations. The system 100 may include a conductive medium 102, such as a body of water, organic tissue, a metallic plane, and / or other conductive media. Adjacent to the conductive medium 102, there may be a dielectric medium 104, such as air and / or other dielectric media, which may interface with the conductive medium 102. The interface 106 between the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104 may be where SEWs are generated and may propagate.

[0045] The system 100 may also include a transmitter 108, which may be positioned near the interface 106. The transmitter 108 may be positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104. The transmitter 108 may be responsible for generating an electromagnetic field that may induce SEWs at the interface 106 of the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104. The excited SEWs may then travel along the interface 106, as indicated by the arrow of SEW 110, which may represent the direction of wave propagation.

[0046] To help visualize the phenomenon of SEWs, one may consider an analogy to ripples on a pond. When a stone is dropped into a still pond, ripples may form and spread out across the surface of the water. Similarly, the transmitter 108 may be thought of as the stone, and the SEWs may be akin to the ripples that spread along the conductive medium 102. Just as the ripples may move outward from the point of impact, SEWs may propagate along the interface 106, carrying energy with them.

[0047] The system 100 may further include a receiver 112, which may be positioned at a distance from the transmitter 108 along the interface 106. The receiver 112 may be positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104. The receiver 112 may be configured to receive the SEWs after they have propagated along the interface 106. This may be analogous to placing one’s hand in the water at a distance from where the stone was dropped, feeling the ripples as they pass by.

[0048] Additionally, the system 100 may include an object 114 positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104, which may be representative of an obstacle that SEWs may encounter during propagation. The interaction of SEWs with the object 114 may lead to scattering of waves, similar to how water ripples may change direction or form patterns when they encounter a leaf or a rock in the pond.

[0049] The system 100 may include an energy source 116, such as a radio frequency generator, which may be connected to the transmitter 108. The energy source 116 may provide the necessary power for the transmitter 108 to generate the electromagnetic fields that excite theSEWs. This may be thought of as the force with which the stone is thrown into the pond, affecting the size and strength of the resulting ripples.

[0050] In some implementations, the system 100 may include a control unit 118, which may be operatively coupled to the transmitter 108 and / or the receiver 112. The control unit 118 may be responsible for coordinating the generation and detection of SEWs, much like a person orchestrating the timing of stones being dropped into the pond to create a specific pattern of ripples.

[0051] From a more technical perspective, SEWs may be understood as a type of wave that propagates along the interface between two media with different dielectric properties. In FIG. 1, the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104 may form such an interface (e.g., interface 106) where SEWs may be excited and propagate. The transmitter 108 may serve as a transducer that converts electrical signals from the energy source 116 into electromagnetic fields, which may then couple to the interface 106 and give rise to SEWs.

[0052] The propagation of SEWs along the interface 106 may be characterized by a wave vector that is parallel to the interface 106. This wave vector may be larger than the wave vector of free photons in the dielectric medium 104, which may result in a confinement of the electromagnetic field to the vicinity of the interface 106. The SEW’s field strength may decay exponentially in the direction perpendicular to the interface 106, as illustrated by a field strength 120 extending into the dielectric medium 104 and the conductive medium 102. These field strengths may also decay as the SEW propagates along the interface 106, as illustrated by an attenuated field strength 122. The receiver 112 may be designed to couple to these confined, attenuated fields and receive the SEWs after they have propagated along the interface 106.

[0053] The excitation of SEWs by the transmitter 108 may involve the conversion of the electromagnetic energy into a surface-bound mode, which may be facilitated by the specific design of the transmitter 108. The transmitter 108 may be optimized to match the impedance of the SEWs to maximize energy transfer into the surface wave mode. The object 114 submerged within the conductive medium 102 may introduce perturbations in the SEWs, which may be detected by the receiver 112 and analyzed by the control unit 118 to infer properties of the object 114. Examples of such properties may include one or more of size, shape, location, material properties, and / or other properties.

[0054] The mathematical description of SEWs may be derived from Maxwell’s equations, which govern the properties of electromagnetic fields. The wave equation for TM-polarized SEWs may be reduced to a one-dimensional Schrodinger equation:where I / J is the effective wave function introduced as Ez= i / j / / e , and V(z) is the effective potential energy that guides the propagation of SEWs along the interface. The term k2may represent the total energy of the SEWs and the term e may represent the dielectric permittivity of the medium.

[0055] For TE-polarized SEWs, the wave equation may not depend on the gradient term V(z) and may be expressed as:

[0056] In the case of a sharp interface between two media with dielectric permittivitiesand e2> the SEW wave vector for TM-polarized waves may be given by:where m is the angular frequency of the SEWs, and c is the speed of light in vacuum.

[0057] The presence of dielectric permittivity gradients across the interface 106 may lead to additional terms in the effective potential Vz, which may result in the formation of a potential well that supports bound states of SEWs. These bound states may correspond to surface modes with long propagation lengths and may be excited by the transmitter 108 with appropriate impedance matching.

[0058] The system 100 may thus utilize SEWs for various applications, including communication and sensing, by exploiting the unique properties of SEWs at the interface 106 between the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104. The control unit 118 may process the received signals to extract information about the propagation and interaction of SEWs with the environment and objects within it.

[0059] In some implementations, the transmitter 108 and / or the receiver 112 may include one or more plasmonic antennas. A given “antenna” or “plasmonic antenna” discussed herein may be the same as or similar to, or include one or more aspects of, the antennas disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 570,968 entitled “Apparatus, Methods and Systems for Electromagnetic Signal Transmission Through a Conductive Medium” filed on January 7, 2022; International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 061379 entitled “SEW Antenna” filed on December 20, 2024; International Patent Application No. PCT / US2025 / 015358 entitled “Hybrid Antenna With Dynamic Signal Routing For Free-Space And Near-Metal Environments” filed on February11, 2025; International Patent Application No. PCT / US2025 / 020593 entitled “Detection Of Objects Behind Metal Barriers Using Plasmonic Antennas” filed on March 19, 2025; and U.S. Patent No. 12,267,114 entitled “Apparatus, Methods And Systems For Surface Electromagnetic Wave (SEW)-Based Underwater And Underground Communication And Imaging” filed on January 7, 2022; of which the entirety is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0060] FIG. 2 shows underwater communication system 200 which supports techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 2, the underwater communication system 200 may include one or more of a water 202, a radiol 204, a radio2 206, a gas (air) bubbles 208, a source of gas (air) bubbles 210, and / or other components.

[0061] The water 202 may include an aqueous environment suitable for underwater communication experiments. The water 202 may be fresh, brackish, or saltwater, depending on the specific conditions required for the experiment. The water 202 may serve as the medium through which radio frequency signals are transmitted and received. The interaction between the water 202 and the gas (air) bubbles 208 may influence the propagation of radio signals. In some implementations, the water 202 may be contained in a large freshwater container for controlled testing environments.

[0062] The radiol 204 may represent a dipole antenna positioned above or below the water surface. The radiol 204 may be configured to transmit or receive radio frequency signals in the underwater environment. The placement of the radiol 204 may be adjusted to optimize signal transmission through the water 202. In some implementations, the radiol 204 may be used in conjunction with the radio2 206 to establish a communication link.

[0063] The radio2 206 may include a dipole antenna submerged within the water. The radio2 206 may be designed to operate at specific frequencies suitable for underwater communication. The radio2 206 may work in tandem with the radiol 204 to facilitate communication across the water 202. In some implementations, the radio2 206 may be equipped with a source of gas (air) bubbles 210 to enhance signal propagation.

[0064] The gas (air) bubbles 208 may represent a line of bubbles floating upwards through the water. The gas (air) bubbles 208 may be generated by a source of gas (air) bubbles 210, creating a path that affects the conductivity of the water 202. The presence of the gas (air) bubbles 208 may alter the medium through which radio signals travel, potentially extending the communication range. In some implementations, the gas (air) bubbles 208 may be formed behind moving underwater vehicles or artificially induced using an air stone.

[0065] The source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may include a mechanism for releasing gas to generate the line of bubbles. The source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may be controlled to adjust the flow intensity and density of the bubbles. The source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may be positioned near the radio2 206 to create a consistent line of bubbles. In some implementations, the source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may use a plastic tube and air stone to produce the desired bubble effect.

[0066] In some implementations, the water 202 may serve as the medium within which the components are arranged, with radio 1 204 positioned above or below the surface of the water 202 and radio2 206 submerged within the water 202. The source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may be situated near radio2 206 and may include a mechanism, such as an air stone, to release gas into the water 202. The gas (air) bubbles 208 may form a vertical path extending from the source of gas (air) bubbles 210 toward the surface of the water 202.

[0067] In some implementations, radiol 204 may transmit RF signals that interact with the gas (air) bubbles 208 as they rise through the water 202. Radio2 206 may receive these RF signals, with the gas (air) bubbles 208 potentially altering the conductivity of the water 202 along their path. The source of gas (air) bubbles 210 may regulate the flow intensity of the gas to create steady or turbulent bubble conditions, which may influence the interaction between the RF signals and the water 202.

[0068] In some implementations, a dielectric mesh or net may be suspended in the water 202 in place of or in addition to gas (air) bubbles 210. Such a dielectric mesh or net may be used to guide communications between radiol 204 and radio2 206.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows underwater communication system 300 which supports techniques for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 3, the underwater communication system 300 may include one or more of a freshwater container 302, two dipole antennas 304, a plastic tube 306, an air stone 308, a signal generator 310, a laptop 312, and / or other components.

[0070] The freshwater container 302 may include a large volume to accommodate the underwater communication system. The freshwater container 302 may be constructed from materials that resist corrosion and maintain structural integrity under varying water conditions. The container may be designed to hold sufficient water to simulate underwater environments for testing purposes. The freshwater container 302 may interact with the two dipole antennas 304 by providing a medium for signal propagation. In some implementations, the freshwater container 302 may be replaced with a brackish or saltwater container to test communication systems under different aqueous conditions.

[0071] The two dipole antennas 304 may represent the primary components for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The two dipole antennas 304 may be configured to operate at specific frequencies suitable for underwater communication. The antennas may be positioned vertically within the freshwater container 302 to optimize signal interaction with the gas bubbles. The two dipole antennas 304 may work in conjunction with the air stone 308 to detect changes in signal propagation caused by the bubbles. In some implementations, the two dipole antennas 304 may be replaced with other types of antennas, such as monopole or loop antennas, depending on the communication requirements.

[0072] The plastic tube 306 may provide a conduit for directing gas to the air stone. The plastic tube 306 may be flexible and durable to withstand underwater conditions and repeated use. The tube may be connected to a gas source to ensure a steady flow of air to the air stone 308. The plastic tube 306 may interact with the air stone 308 by delivering gas directly to its porous surface for bubble generation. In some implementations, the plastic tube 306 may be replaced with a metal or composite tube to accommodate higher pressure gas delivery systems.

[0073] The air stone 308 may generate a line of bubbles to facilitate the communication path. The air stone 308 may be porous and designed to produce fine bubbles when gas is pumped through it. The air stone may be positioned near the bottom of the freshwater container 302 to create a vertical line of bubbles. The air stone 308 may interact with the two dipole antennas 304 by altering the conductivity of the water along the bubble path. In some implementations, the air stone 308 may be replaced with a nozzle or other bubble-generating device to achieve different bubble densities or patterns.

[0074] The signal generator 310 may produce the necessary frequencies for the communication system. The signal generator 310 may be capable of generating a range of frequencies to test the performance of the underwater communication system. The device may be connected to the two dipole antennas 304 to transmit and receive signals. The signal generator 310 may interact with the laptop 312 by providing data for analysis and monitoring. In some implementations, the signal generator 310 may be replaced with a software-based signal generation system to allow for more precise frequency control.

[0075] The laptop 312 may serve as the interface for monitoring and controlling the system’s operations. The laptop 312 may include software to analyze signal data and adjust system parameters. The device may be connected to the signal generator 310 to receive real-time data on signal propagation. The laptop 312 may interact with the freshwater container 302 by displaying measurements related to the underwater environment. In some implementations, the laptop 312 may be replaced with a desktop computer or tablet for system control and data analysis.

[0076] In some implementations, the freshwater container 302 may house the two dipole antennas 304, with one antenna positioned near the bottom and the other placed vertically above it. The plastic tube 306 may be connected to an air stone 308, which may be situated adjacent to the lower antenna 304 to generate a controlled stream of bubbles. The signal generator 310 may be connected to the antennas 304 to transmit RF signals, while the laptop 312 may be used to monitor and record communication data during operation.

[0077] In some implementations, the plastic tube 306 may deliver air to the air stone 308, which may produce a steady or turbulent line of bubbles that rises through the freshwater container 302. The antennas 304 may interact with the bubble path to transmit and receive RF signals, with the signal generator 310 modulating the transmission frequencies. The laptop 312 may interface with the signal generator 310 to adjust parameters and may display real-time measurements of signal propagation between the antennas 304.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a graph 400 illustrating comparative S21 communication signal measurements taken under a no-bubbles condition and a turbulent-bubbles condition, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The graph 400 may represent the transmission characteristics of radio frequency signals between two submerged antennas, as described in the accompanying text. The graph 400 may provide insight into the impact of turbulent bubbles on signal propagation underwater.

[0079] The horizontal axis of the graph 400 may represent the frequency of the radio signal in gigahertz (GHz), ranging from 0.500 GHz to 2.500 GHz. The scale may be linear, allowing for a straightforward interpretation of frequency-dependent variations in signal transmission. The vertical axis may represent the S21 parameter, which may indicate the transmission loss or gain in decibels (dB). The scale on the vertical axis may also be linear, with values ranging from 0 dB to -20 dB, where lower values may correspond to higher transmission loss.

[0080] The graph 400 may include two distinct plots, each corresponding to one of the underwater conditions. The first plot, which may represent the no-bubbles condition, may be depicted as a continuous line with a specific line style. The second plot, which may represent the turbulent-bubbles condition, may be shown as a separate continuous line with a different line style to distinguish it from the first plot. Both plots may exhibit variations in signal transmission across the frequency range, with notable differences between the two conditions.

[0081] The data points in the graph 400 may reveal trends and features that may be relevant to understanding the impact of turbulent bubbles on underwater signal propagation. For example, the plot corresponding to the turbulent-bubbles condition may show an improvement in signaltransmission compared to the no-bubbles condition, with a signal gain of up to 10 dB observed at certain frequencies. Peaks and valleys may be present in both plots, indicating frequencydependent resonances and attenuation effects. These features may highlight the influence of bubble-induced changes in the underwater medium on the transmission characteristics of the radio signals.

[0082] The graph 400 may use distinct line styles to differentiate between the two conditions, ensuring clarity in interpreting the data. The turbulent-bubbles condition may exhibit a smoother transmission profile or reduced attenuation at specific frequencies compared to the no-bubbles condition, as evidenced by the relative positions of the plots on the vertical axis.

[0083] The graph 400 may provide a detailed representation of the comparative performance of underwater radio signal transmission under varying bubble conditions. By analyzing the trends and features in the graph 400, one may infer the potential benefits of introducing turbulent bubbles to enhance signal propagation underwater.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a graph 500 illustrating the S21 communication signal measurements between two antennas in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The graph 500 may represent the comparative performance of radio frequency signal transmission in underwater conditions with and without the presence of gas bubbles. The horizontal axis of the graph 500 may be labeled with frequency in gigahertz (GHz), ranging from 1.000 GHz to 2.500 GHz, while the vertical axis may be labeled with S21 Gain in decibels (dB), spanning from -80 dB to -20 dB. The scale on both axes may be linear, providing a straightforward representation of the data.

[0085] The graph 500 may include two distinct plots, each represented by lines that may differ in style or shade to indicate different conditions. One plot may depict the S21 communication signal in a no-bubbles condition, while the other may illustrate the signal in a bubbled condition. The data points in the graph 500 may be connected by lines, showing the trend of signal gain across the frequency range. Notably, the graph 500 may exhibit a trend where the presence of bubbles may lead to an improvement in signal transmission, with gains of up to 10 dB observed at certain frequencies. This enhancement may be attributed to the reduced average conductivity of the water-bubble medium, facilitating better propagation of radio signals.

[0086] The graph 500 may reveal specific features such as peaks and valleys in the signal gain, which may correspond to the eigenfrequency of the underwater dipole antenna. These features may indicate the frequencies at which the signal transmission is most effective, providing insights into the impact of bubble formation on underwater communication systems.The graph 500 may serve as a visual representation of the potential benefits of using a line of gas bubbles to improve radio frequency signal propagation underwater, supporting the systems and methods described in the disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 6 shows a graph 600 illustrating the comparative S21 communication signal measurements between two antennas in various underwater conditions in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The graph 600 may represent the signal gain (S21) in decibels (dB) as a function of frequency, measured in gigahertz (GHz), and may demonstrate the impact of bubble formation on underwater radio frequency signal propagation.

[0088] The horizontal axis of the graph 600 may be labeled as “Frequency (GHz)” and may span a range from 0.500 GHz to 2.500 GHz. This axis may represent the frequency of the radio signals being measured. The vertical axis may be labeled as “S21 Gain (dB)” and may range from -80 dB to -20 dB, representing the signal strength or gain between the two antennas. Both axes may use a linear scale to facilitate interpretation of the data.

[0089] The graph 600 may include two distinct plots, each representing a different underwater condition. One plot may correspond to measurements taken in a “no bubbles” condition, where no gas bubbles were present in the water medium between the antennas. The other plot may correspond to measurements taken in a “turbulent bubbles” condition, where a line of bubbles was actively formed between the antennas. These plots may be represented by distinct line styles to differentiate the data sets, with the “no bubbles” condition potentially depicted as a darker or more solid line and the “turbulent bubbles” condition depicted as a lighter or dashed line.

[0090] The data points in the graph 600 may be connected by continuous lines to illustrate trends in signal gain across the frequency range. The “no bubbles” plot may exhibit lower signal gain across the frequency spectrum, with notable dips and valleys indicating reduced signal transmission efficiency. In contrast, the “turbulent bubbles” plot may show an improvement in signal gain, with increases of up to 10 dB observed at certain frequencies. This improvement may be attributed to the reduced average conductivity of the water-bubble medium, which may facilitate enhanced propagation of radio signals.

[0091] The graph 600 may highlight specific frequencies where the signal gain improvement is most pronounced, such as near the underwater dipole antenna eigenfrequency. Peaks in the “turbulent bubbles” plot may correspond to frequencies where the bubble-induced medium provides optimal conditions for signal transmission. The trends observed in the graph 600 maysuggest that the presence of turbulent bubbles may significantly enhance underwater communication performance compared to conditions without bubbles.

[0092] The graph 600 may serve to illustrate the relationship between bubble density and signal propagation, with turbulent bubbles providing a more favorable medium for radio frequency signals. The comparative analysis of the two plots may demonstrate the potential for bubble formation to mitigate the high conductivity of water and extend the range of underwater communication systems.

[0093] FIG. 7 shows a graph 700 illustrating the comparative signal transmission performance of underwater radio frequency communication systems under bubbled and nonbubbled conditions in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The graph 700 may represent the measured S21 gain (dB) between two submerged dipole antennas over a frequency range of 1.000 GHz to 2.500 GHz. The graph 700 may demonstrate the impact of a line of gas bubbles on signal propagation underwater, with the data plotted to highlight differences in signal gain under varying conditions.

[0094] The horizontal axis of graph 700 may represent the frequency in gigahertz (GHz), ranging from 1.000 GHz to 2.500 GHz. The scale may be linear, allowing for a straightforward interpretation of frequency-dependent variations in signal gain. The vertical axis may represent the S21 gain in decibels (dB), with values ranging from -90 dB to -30 dB. This axis may provide a quantitative measure of the signal strength received by the submerged antenna relative to the transmitted signal strength.

[0095] Graph 700 may include two distinct data sets, each represented by separate line styles to differentiate between the bubbled and non-bubbled conditions. The first data set, corresponding to the non-bubbled condition, may be depicted as a darker, more subdued line, while the second data set, corresponding to the bubbled condition, may be represented by a lighter, more prominent line. These line styles may facilitate visual comparison of signal gain under the two conditions.

[0096] The data points in graph 700 may be presented as continuous lines, illustrating the frequency -dep endent behavior of the S21 gain. The bubbled condition may exhibit a notable improvement in signal gain, with an increase of up to 10 dB observed at certain frequencies. This improvement may be particularly evident near the eigenfrequency of the underwater dipole antenna, where the bubbled condition may result in a smoother and higher signal gain curve compared to the non-bubbled condition. The non-bubbled condition may show a morepronounced decline in signal gain across the frequency range, indicating higher attenuation in the absence of bubbles.

[0097] Graph 700 may highlight the reduced average conductivity of the water-bubble medium along the line of bubbles, which may contribute to enhanced signal propagation. The presence of bubbles may create a lower-conductivity path that facilitates improved transmission of radio frequency signals between the submerged antennas. The trends observed in graph 700 may underscore the potential for bubble-induced pathways to mitigate signal loss and extend communication range underwater.

[0098] The graph 700 may be interpreted as demonstrating the relationship between bubble density and signal gain, with the bubbled condition consistently outperforming the non-bubbled condition across the frequency range. The data may suggest that the introduction of bubbles may significantly enhance underwater communication performance, particularly at frequencies where the dipole antenna exhibits resonance.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of an apparatus 802 that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus 802 may be the same as or similar to one or more components described in connection with the system 100 of FIG. 1, the underwater communication system 200 of FIG. 2, and / or the underwater communication system 300 of FIG. 3. The apparatus 802 may include an input module 804, bubble-mediated communication component 806, and an output module 808. The apparatus 802 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses). In some cases, the apparatus 802 may be an example of a user terminal, a database server, or a system containing multiple computing devices.

[0100] The input module 804 may manage input signals for the apparatus 802. For example, the input module 804 may identify input signals based on an interaction with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. These input signals may be associated with user input or processing at other components or devices. In some cases, the input module 804 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS- WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system to handle input signals. The input module 804 may send aspects of these input signals to other components of the apparatus 802 for processing. In some cases, the input module 804 may be a component of an input / output (I / O) controller 1006 as described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0101] The bubble-mediated communication component 806 may include one or more of a bubble generation component 810, a communication path establishment component 812, a signal transmission component 814, a conductivity reduction component 816, and / or other components. The bubble-mediated communication component 806 may be an example of aspects of the bubble-mediated communication component 902 or 1004 described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0102] The bubble generation component 810 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium. The communication path establishment component 812 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles. The signal transmission component 814 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles. The conductivity reduction component 816 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.

[0103] The output module 808 may manage output signals for the apparatus 802. For example, the output module 808 may receive signals from other components of the apparatus 802, such as the bubble-mediated communication component 806, and may transmit these signals to other components or devices. In some specific examples, the output module 808 may transmit output signals for display in a user interface, for storage in a database or data store, for further processing at a server or server cluster, or for any other processes at any number of devices or systems. In some cases, the output module 808 may be a component of an VO controller 1006 as described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0104] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram 900 of a bubble-mediated communication component 902 that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The bubble-mediated communication component 902 may be an example of aspects of a bubble-mediated communication component 806, a bubble-mediated communication component 1004, or both, as described herein. The bubble- mediated communication component 902, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths as described herein. For example, the bubble-mediated communication component902 may include one or more of a bubble generation component 904, a communication path establishment component 906, a signal transmission component 908, a conductivity reduction component 910, a flow rate adjustment component 912, a gas selection component 914, a porous medium positioning component 916, a signal strength monitoring component 918, a turbulent flow generation component 920, and / or other components. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0105] The bubble generation component 904 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles may be created by releasing gas through a porous medium. In some implementations, the bubble generation component 904 may include a mechanism to adjust the flow rate of gas to control bubble density. The bubble generation component 904 may be integrated with a sensor to detect environmental conditions and adjust bubble production accordingly. In some implementations, the bubble generation component 904 may be designed to operate with different types of gases, such as air or inert gases, depending on the specific requirements of the underwater environment.

[0106] The communication path establishment component 906 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path may be aligned with the line of gas bubbles. In some implementations, the communication path establishment component 906 may include mechanisms to detect the relative positions of the first antenna and the second antenna to determine the optimal alignment with the line of gas bubbles. In some implementations, the communication path establishment component 906 may incorporate sensors to monitor the density and stability of the gas bubbles along the communication path. In some implementations, the communication path establishment component 906 may support adjustments to the orientation of the antennas to maintain alignment with the line of gas bubbles under varying underwater conditions.

[0107] The signal transmission component 908 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal may propagate through the line of gas bubbles. In some implementations, the signal transmission component 908 may include mechanisms to adjust the frequency range of the transmitted signal to align with the propagation characteristics of the gas-bubbled path. In some implementations, the signal transmission component 908 may incorporate sensors to monitor signal attenuation and adjust transmission power accordingly. In some implementations, the signal transmission component 908 maysupport the use of different antenna types, such as dipole or monopole antennas, to accommodate varying underwater conditions.

[0108] The conductivity reduction component 910 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles. In some implementations, the conductivity reduction component 910 may include a mechanism to regulate the size of the bubbles to influence the conductivity characteristics of the water-bubble medium. In some implementations, the conductivity reduction component 910 may support the use of different porous materials, such as ceramic or polymer-based air stones, to generate bubbles with varying properties. In some implementations, the conductivity reduction component 910 may incorporate sensors to monitor the conductivity levels of the aqueous environment and adjust bubble production parameters accordingly.

[0109] In some examples, the flow rate adjustment component 912 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for adjusting a flow rate of the gas released through the porous medium in response to a signal indicating a change in the density of the aqueous environment along the communication path. In some implementations, the flow rate adjustment component 912 may include a mechanism to determine the density of the aqueous environment by analyzing pressure variations detected by an integrated sensor. In some implementations, the flow rate adjustment component 912 may support the use of a feedback loop to dynamically modify the gas flow rate based on real-time environmental data. In some implementations, the flow rate adjustment component 912 may incorporate a programmable control unit that may allow presetting flow rate thresholds for specific underwater conditions.

[0110] In some examples, the gas selection component 914 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for selecting a type of gas to release through the porous medium, the type of gas may be selected from air, nitrogen, or helium, in response to a signal indicating a desired propagation characteristic of the radio frequency signal. In some implementations, the gas selection component 914 may include a mechanism to determine the specific gas composition based on the conductivity levels of the surrounding water. In some implementations, the gas selection component 914 may support the use of a programmable control unit to allow pre-setting gas type preferences for specific underwater conditions. In some implementations, the gas selection component 914 may incorporate sensors to monitor environmental changes and adjust the gas type selection dynamically.[OHl] In some examples, the porous medium positioning component 916 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for positioning the porous medium at a predetermined depth inthe aqueous environment in response to a signal indicating a required alignment of the communication path with the line of gas bubbles. In some implementations, the porous medium positioning component 916 may include a mechanism to determine the depth based on pressure readings from an integrated sensor. In some implementations, the porous medium positioning component 916 may support adjustments to the positioning of the porous medium by incorporating a motorized actuator controlled by a programmable unit. In some implementations, the porous medium positioning component 916 may include a buoyancy control system that may allow the porous medium to remain stable at the predetermined depth under varying underwater conditions.

[0112] In some examples, the signal strength monitoring component 918 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for monitoring a signal strength of the radio frequency signal received at the second antenna and may modify the alignment of the communication path in response to a signal indicating a deviation from a target signal strength. In some implementations, the signal strength monitoring component 918 may include a mechanism to determine the signal strength by analyzing variations in the received power levels at the second antenna. In some implementations, the signal strength monitoring component 918 may incorporate sensors to detect environmental factors, such as water turbulence or bubble density, that may influence the received signal strength. In some implementations, the signal strength monitoring component 918 may support adjustments to the alignment of the communication path by integrating a motorized actuator to reposition the second antenna based on real-time signal strength data.

[0113] In some examples, the turbulent flow generation component 920 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for generating a turbulent flow of gas bubbles through the porous medium in response to a signal indicating a need to alter the conductivity reduction along the communication path. In some implementations, the turbulent flow generation component 920 may include a mechanism to determine the required turbulence level by analyzing variations in the conductivity of the water-bubble medium. In some implementations, the turbulent flow generation component 920 may support adjustments to the gas flow rate by incorporating a programmable control unit that may allow pre-setting turbulence thresholds for specific underwater conditions. In some implementations, the turbulent flow generation component 920 may include a mechanism to generate turbulence by varying the pore size of the porous medium to influence the bubble formation dynamics.

[0114] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a system 1000 including a device 1002 that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure. The device 1002 may be an example of or include the components of a database server or an apparatus 802 as described herein. The device 1002 may include components for bi-directional data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a bubble-mediated communication component 1004, an I / O controller 1006, a database controller 1008, memory 1010, a processor 1012, and a database 1014. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1016)

[0115] The bubble-mediated communication component 1004 may be an example of a bubble-mediated communication component 806 or 902 as described herein. For example, the bubble-mediated communication component 1004 may perform any of the methods or processes described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In some cases, the bubble-mediated communication component 1004 may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0116] The VO controller 1006 may manage input signals 1018 and output signals 1020 for the device 1002. The I / O controller 1006 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device 1002. In some cases, the I / O controller 1006 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I / O controller 1006 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I / O controller 1006 may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 1006 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device 1002 via the I / O controller 1006 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 1006.

[0117] The database controller 1008 may manage data storage and processing in a database 1014. In some cases, a user may interact with the database controller 1008. In other cases, the database controller 1008 may operate automatically without user interaction. The database 1014 may be an example of a single database, a distributed database, multiple distributed databases, a data store, a data lake, or an emergency backup database.

[0118] Memory 1010 may include random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 1010 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 1010 may contain, among other things, a basic input / output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0119] The processor 1012 may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general- purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1012 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1012. The processor 1012 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 1010 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths).

[0120] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 that supports extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the methods described herein may be implemented by one or more of a device, an apparatus, a system (e.g., a networked computing system), and / or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1100 may be performed by a bubble-mediated communication component as described with reference to FIGS. 8 through 10. In some examples, one or more components of a device, apparatus, and / or system may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the component(s) to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more components of a device, apparatus, and / or system may perform aspects of the described functions using specialpurpose hardware.

[0121] At 1102, the method 1100 may include generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium. The operations of 1102 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1102 may be performed by a bubble generation component 904 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0122] At 1104, the method 1100 may include establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles. The operations of 1104 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1104 may be performed by a communication path establishment component 906 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0123] At 1106, the method 1100 may include transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles. The operations of 1106 may be performed inaccordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1106 may be performed by a signal transmission component 908 as described with reference to FIG. 9

[0124] At 1108, the method 1100 may include reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles. The operations of 1108 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1108 may be performed by a conductivity reduction component 910 as described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1200 involving radio frequency communication systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0126] At 1202, the method 1200 may include providing a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles. The operations of 1202 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1202 may involve a freshwater container 302, a plastic tube 306, an air stone 308, a source of gas (air) bubbles 210, and / or gas (air) bubbles 208 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0127] At 1204, the method 1200 may include positioning a plasmonic antenna to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed. The operations of 1204 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1204 may involve two dipole antennas 304, a signal generator 310, a laptop 312, a radiol 204, and / or a radio2 206 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0128] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0129] Aspect 1 : A system for underwater radio frequency communication, comprising: a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles; and a plasmonic antenna positioned to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed.

[0130] Aspect 2: The system of aspect 1, further comprising a mechanism to adjust the flow rate of the source of gas bubbles to create steady bubbles in water, enhancing the interaction with the plasmonic antenna.

[0131] Aspect 3: The system of any of aspects 1 through 2, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water, providing a dynamic medium for the plasmonic antenna to detect surface electromagnetic waves.

[0132] Aspect 4: The system of any of aspects 1 through 3, further comprising a sensor to detect no bubbles in water, the sensor being configured to activate the source of gas bubbles in response to the detection.

[0133] Aspect 5: The system of any of aspects 1 through 4, wherein the plasmonic antenna is positioned to enhance dipole antenna resonances in water, the resonances being influenced by the bubbles formed.

[0134] Aspect 6: The system of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles formed in water to reduce the average conductivity of the water along a communication path.

[0135] Aspect 7: The system of any of aspects 1 through 6, wherein the source of gas bubbles is positioned to create steady bubbles in water to facilitate communication between underwater devices.

[0136] Aspect 8: The system of any of aspects 1 through 7, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water to enable dynamic adjustments to the communication path.

[0137] Aspect 9: The system of any of aspects 1 through 8, wherein the plasmonic antenna is positioned to detect dipole antenna resonances in water influenced by the bubbles formed.

[0138] Aspect 10: The system of any of aspects 1 through 9, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water in response to a detected communication signal requirement.

[0139] Aspect 11 : The system of any of aspects 1 through 10, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to facilitate communication with underwater vehicles.

[0140] Aspect 12: The system of any of aspects 1 through 11, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to enhance the propagation of surface electromagnetic waves.

[0141] Aspect 13: The system of any of aspects 1 through 12, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to create a medium with reduced conductivity for radio frequency communication.

[0142] Aspect 14: The system of any of aspects 1 through 13, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to support communication with underwater assets positioned along a bubbled path.

[0143] Aspect 15: A method of forming a system for underwater radio frequency communication, comprising: providing a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles; and positioning a plasmonic antenna to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed.

[0144] Aspect 16: A method for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, comprising: generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium; establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles; transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles; and reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.

[0145] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, further comprising adjusting a flow rate of the gas released through the porous medium in response to a signal indicating a change in the density of the aqueous environment along the communication path.

[0146] Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 16 through 17, further comprising selecting a type of gas to release through the porous medium, the type of gas selected from air, nitrogen, or helium, in response to a signal indicating a desired propagation characteristic of the radio frequency signal.

[0147] Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 16 through 18, further comprising positioning the porous medium at a predetermined depth in the aqueous environment in response to a signal indicating a required alignment of the communication path with the line of gas bubbles.

[0148] Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 16 through 19, further comprising monitoring a signal strength of the radio frequency signal received at the second antenna and modifying the alignment of the communication path in response to a signal indicating a deviation from a target signal strength.

[0149] Aspect 21 : The method of any of aspects 16 through 20, further comprising generating a turbulent flow of gas bubbles through the porous medium in response to a signal indicating a need to alter the conductivity reduction along the communication path.

[0150] Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 16 through 21, wherein the line of gas bubbles is generated with a variable bubble size in response to a signal indicating a desired frequency range for the radio frequency signal.

[0151] Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 16 through 22, wherein the porous medium is configured to release gas bubbles in a non-linear pattern in response to a signal indicating a need to modify the communication path geometry.

[0152] Aspect 24: The method of any of aspects 16 through 23, wherein the communication path is aligned with a moving underwater platform in response to a signal indicating a change in the platform’s trajectory.

[0153] Aspect 25: The method of any of aspects 16 through 24, wherein the gas released through the porous medium is mixed with a liquid additive in response to a signal indicating a need to stabilize the line of gas bubbles.

[0154] Aspect 26: The method of any of aspects 16 through 25, wherein the first antenna is positioned above the aqueous environment in response to a signal indicating a need to establish communication with a surface-based platform.

[0155] Aspect 27: The method of any of aspects 16 through 26, wherein the second antenna is equipped with a sensor to detect bubble density along the communication path in response to a signal indicating a need to monitor the path’s conductivity.

[0156] Aspect 28: The method of any of aspects 16 through 27, wherein the line of gas bubbles is generated intermittently in response to a signal indicating a need to conserve gas resources during periods of reduced communication activity.

[0157] Aspect 29: A system for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the system to perform a method of any of aspects 16 through 28.

[0158] Aspect 30: A system for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 16 through 28.

[0159] Aspect 31 : A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 16 through 28.

[0160] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0161] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0162] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0163] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general -purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general -purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0164] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by aprocessor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0165] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general -purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0166] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for underwater radio frequency communication, comprising: a source of gas bubbles configured to generate bubbles in water, bubbles being formed in response to operation of the source of gas bubbles; and a plasmonic antenna positioned to induce and / or detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating via the bubbles formed.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism to adjust the flow rate of the source of gas bubbles to create steady bubbles in water, enhancing the interaction with the plasmonic antenna.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water, providing a dynamic medium for the plasmonic antenna to detect surface electromagnetic waves.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor to detect no bubbles in water, the sensor being configured to activate the source of gas bubbles in response to the detection.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic antenna is positioned to enhance dipole antenna resonances in water, the resonances being influenced by the bubbles formed.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles formed in water to reduce the average conductivity of the water along a communication path.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is positioned to create steady bubbles in water to facilitate communication between underwater devices.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate turbulent bubbles in water to enable dynamic adjustments to the communication path.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plasmonic antenna is positioned to detect dipole antenna resonances in water influenced by the bubbles formed.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water in response to a detected communication signal requirement.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to facilitate communication with underwater vehicles.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to enhance the propagation of surface electromagnetic waves.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to create a medium with reduced conductivity for radio frequency communication.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the source of gas bubbles is configured to generate bubbles in water to support communication with underwater assets positioned along a bubbled path.

15. A method for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, comprising: generating a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium; establishing a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles; transmitting a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles; and reducing conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjusting a flow rate of the gas released through the porous medium in response to a signal indicating a change in the density of the aqueous environment along the communication path.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising selecting a type of gas to release through the porous medium, the type of gas selected from air, nitrogen, or helium, in response to a signal indicating a desired propagation characteristic of the radio frequency signal.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising positioning the porous medium at a predetermined depth in the aqueous environment in response to a signal indicating a required alignment of the communication path with the line of gas bubbles.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising monitoring a signal strength of the radio frequency signal received at the second antenna and modifying the alignment of the communication path in response to a signal indicating a deviation from a target signal strength.

20. A system configured for extending underwater radio signal range with gas bubble paths, comprising: a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the system to: generate a line of gas bubbles in an aqueous environment in response to a signal from a platform, the line of gas bubbles created by releasing gas through a porous medium; establish a communication path between a first antenna and a second antenna submerged in the aqueous environment, the communication path aligned with the line of gas bubbles; transmit a radio frequency signal from the first antenna to the second antenna along the communication path, the radio frequency signal propagating through the line of gas bubbles; and reduce conductivity of the aqueous environment along the communication path by maintaining the line of gas bubbles.

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