Performance Metrics for Depth-based Signal Separation Using Deep Vertical Line Arrays

Abstract

Vertical line arrays (VLAs) deployed below the critical depth in the deep ocean can exploit reliable acoustic path (RAP) propagation, which provides low transmission loss (TL) for targets at moderate ranges, and increased TL for distant interferers. However, sound from nearby surface interferers also undergoes RAP propagation, and without horizontal aperture, a VLA cannot separate these interferers from submerged targets. A recent publication by McCargar and Zurk (2013) addressed this issue, presenting a transform-based method for passive, depth-based separation of signals received on deep VLAs based on the depth-dependent modulation caused by the interference between the direct and surface-reflected acoustic arrivals. This thesis expands on that work by quantifying the transform-based depth estimation method performance in terms of the resolution and ambiguity in the depth estimate. Then, the depth discrimination performance is quantified in terms of the number of VLA elements.