Broadband Matched-Field Localization Performance in Uncertain Environments Using a Short Array

Abstract

Typical applications of matched-field localization use low frequency signals received on large aperture vertical-arrays. However, small aperture arrays are much more practical for real-world systems and must be considered. Additionally, any practical localization algorithm must also be robust to environmental mismatch. In this paper, we present the broadband L∞-norm estimator for robust matched-field localization of mid-frequency signals (e.g., 800–4000 Hz) received on very short aperture vertical-arrays. Realistic simulation results are presented using broadband signals in the band of 1000–3000 Hz received on a 3 m vertical array which demonstrate the substantial performance gains in using the L∞-norm estimator over the asymptotically-optimal maximum a posteriori estimator and the conventional Bartlett processor. Experimental data results in an uncertain shallow-water environment using a 2.13 m vertical array in the band of 3000–4000 Hz are also presented.