Multiwavelength Characterization of Optical Wireless Communication in Complex Water-Filled Pipe Environment

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth investigation of optical wireless communication through water-filled PVC pipelines using high-brightness light-emitting diodes (HB-LEDs) operating at visible wavelengths: 475 nm (blue), 528 nm (green), 583 nm (yellow), and 625 nm (red). Simulations were conducted in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio using ray-tracing techniques and Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) models to evaluate the effects of surface roughness, interface reflection, and wavelength-dependent absorption. A custom experimental setup was developed using a 375 mm long, 50 mm diameter PVC pipe and a Thorlabs S121C photodiode sensor to validate the simulation. Optical power was measured under five water fill conditions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Results show that the greatest transmission loss occurs at the 50% water level, where multiphase scattering dominates, with experimental power decreasing to −11.82 dBm at 583 nm (yellow). Full immersion improves transmission, with recovered power levels up to −2.3 dBm at 475 nm (blue). Absorption coefficients were calculated using the Beer–Lambert Law, with peak values exceeding 0.09 cm⁻¹ at 50% fill. Simulation results aligned with experimental measurements within 1–2 dB, validating the model’s reliability. These findings support the development of adaptive gain control strategies and wavelength-optimized optical links for autonomous robotic inspection in submerged or semi-submerged pipeline environments.