Robust vector sensor array processing and performance analysis

[摘要] (cont.) Similarly, different dipole sensors may be exposed to varying degrees of rotational mismatch. Sensors may also rest on the seafloor, creating asymmetries. Recognizing these practical issues, we derive a new adaptive processing method customized to the unique characteristics of vector sensors and robust to mismatch and finite sample support. This new approach involves using multiple white noise gain constraints. During the past couple of decades, stationary vector sensor arrays have been built and tested, demonstrating improved gain and ambiguity lobe attenuation. Up until recently, however, very few towed vector sensor arrays had been built and tested. As such, many of the advantages of vector sensor arrays had only previously been shown in theory and/or with stationary arrays. We present results from sea trials in Monterey Bay, CA (2006) and Dabob Bay, WA (2007) towing a relatively short vector sensor array. Results highlight several of the distinct practical advantages of vector sensor arrays: resolution of spatial ambiguity (e.g., port/starboard and conical ambiguity), the ability to ;;undersample;; an acoustic wave without spatial aliasing, quiet target recovery via clutter reduction, immunity to mismatch, improved array gain and enhanced detection performance.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology