Effect of waveform on synthetic aperture sonar performance

Abstract

This paper describes the main properties of the synthetic aperture sidescan sonar and highlights performances and limitations related to sonar features for mine counter measures. Attention is focused on the theoretical performances : azimuthal resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and mainly shadow-to- reverberation ratio. This theoretical analysis is finally compared with experimental sonar images. These images have been obtained with transducers moving along a rail and insonlfiing a sea bottom where some spherical and cylirulrical targets are laid. Some of these targets are partly buried. Several signal waveforms, such as monochroniatic or Frequency Modulated. have been used within the full 25 - 80 kHz band and different pulse durations have here transmitted as well. These experimental results can be considered as the first in the World under real conditions and with a good shadow-to-reverberation ratio.