Transmission of high-definition video signals underwater using surface electromagnetic waves

Abstract: A portable radio communication system operating in the 30 MHz band and capable of transmitting high-definition live underwater video images is presented. The system operation is based on launching electromagnetic surface waves propagating along water-air interface using specially designed surface wave antennas. Since the propagation length of the surface electromagnetic waves far exceeds the skin depth of bulk radio waves at the same frequency, this technique is useful for video communication underwater over distances of several meters. Also, this system appears to be efficient at communicating through the water-air interface.