Optimized optical propagation through underwater turbulence using off-axis Bessel-Gauss beam probing.

Off-axis Bessel-Gauss (BG) beams are used as a generation basis within an optical system that rapidly probes an underwater turbulent environment. Due to the rapidity of the scan, implemented using a modified Higher Order Bessel Beams Integrated with Time (HOBBIT) system, instantaneous realizations of the turbulence can be probed allowing optimal transmission paths in which the beams propagate, with minimal perturbations, through the complex turbulent environment. The results show a marked reduction in the effects of the turbulence, including over a 91% decrease in scintillation index, experienced by the beams propagated through these paths when compared to a centered on-axis BG beam. Results also confirm the ability to transmit higher-order BG beams. Lastly, the spatial and temporal characteristics of these robust channels are presented, demonstrating the propensity to transmit multiple beams through unperturbed transmission paths simultaneously.