A new ultra-compact communications system across air-sea water based on ELF magnetic mechanical antenna

Abstract In this paper, a long-range trans-air-seawater medium communication system is proposed based on a small extremely low-frequency (ELF) mechanical antenna. We analyze the propagation characteristics of ELF electromagnetic waves in seawater and determine the paths of ELF electromagnetic waves propagating across domains. Equivalent models of various mechanical antennas are analyzed based on their operating principles. Based on the equivalent model, the transmission principle of mechanical antenna in transmitting across air-sea medium is analyzed, and finally the mechanical antenna with permanent magnet working horizontally is identified as the optimal choice. The above results are also verified by simulation. Experimental and simulation results verify the good performance of a horizontally operating permanent magnet mechanical antenna in transmitting across air-sea medium. The ELF-band transmission communication across air-sea medium based on binary code modulation is realized, and the farthest transmission distance can reach 200m in the experiment. Based on this system, transmission in air was also tested up to a distance of 1.5 km. The ELF transmission across air-sea medium based on a permanent magnet mechanical antenna can greatly facilitate cross-domain teleportation and ocean exploration.