Diffuse Mid-Uv Communication In The Presence Of Obscurants

Communication using mid-ultraviolet radiation between 200 nm and 280 nm has received renewed attention due to advancements in UV LED emitters and unique propagation characteristics at these wavelengths. Atmospheric gases absorb light at mid-UV so that receivers or sensors operating on the earth's surface receive no interference from solar radiation. This so-called "solar-blind" region of the spectrum allows the use of single-photon detection techniques. Further, UV light is strongly scattered by molecules in the air, enabling non-line-of-sight ( NLOS) communication. We extend previous work in this area by incorporating angle-dependent Mie scattering into one of the standard propagation models, in an effort to include the effects of aerosols. Experimental results from outdoor measurements using a fog generator are also presented.