Researchers at Harbin Engineering University have successfully tested a self-aware, hybrid fiber-optic towed array capable of mapping ocean waves and detecting distant acoustic sources without requiring a straight-line configuration.
Self-Calibrating Towed Array Technology
During open-sea trials, the research team deployed a hybrid cable towed approximately 500 m astern by a survey vessel. The system integrates 128 interferometric hydrophones spanning 104 m for high-signal-to-noise acoustic detection, alongside 32 distributed acoustic sensing elements spaced across 160 m to track the cable's own depth and the surrounding ocean wave field.
By feeding the measured shape of the array directly back into the beamforming image processing, the system effectively calibrates itself in place. During testing, a cooperative acoustic source located 5.7 km away successfully transmitted 1 kHz test pulses that were detected by the array.
This self-aware fiber-optic technology offers practical applications for wave monitoring using vessels of opportunity, marine mammal and fisheries acoustics, and sonar operations that must function reliably despite bends or heavy weather.
