Scientists from the US Navy’s Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have developed a laser phone that can communicate between aircraft and submarines.

The NRL created the device through acoustic effects created by firing laser pulses into water.

The underwater telephone on the submarine will then receive the sound pulses of the laser beams fired from the aircraft flying high above the waters.

At present aircraft-to-submarine communication requires the use of a floating buoy.

The navy is also examining the potential for the device to generate sonar pulses, without the need to place active equipment in the water. Such a device would be less complex and expensive than present-day equipment.