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Enhancing fibre-optic distributed acoustic sensing capabilities with blind near-field array signal processing.
Felipe Muñoz1, Marcelo A Soto2
1Department of Electronics Engineering, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, 2390123, Valparaíso, Chile.
Nature Communications
|July 13, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a blind acoustic array processing method for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems. The technique enhances signal quality and localizes acoustic sources without prior information on the optical fiber or source location.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Signal Processing
- Optical Sensing
Background:
- Distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) utilize optical fibers to detect mechanical vibrations.
- DAS measurements are affected by uneven fiber response and wave propagation distortions.
- Existing methods often require specific fiber geometries or source information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a blind method for improving DAS data quality and source localization.
- To address challenges posed by non-uniform DAS responses and complex wave propagation.
- To enable acoustic source characterization even in areas distant from the optical fiber.
Main Methods:
- Near-field acoustic array processing is employed.
- The method accounts for non-uniform DAS channel responses.
- Sparse beamforming spatial filtering is utilized for signal enhancement.
Main Results:
- Significant signal-to-noise ratio enhancement is achieved.
- Reduction of signal distortions in DAS measurements.
- Accurate 2D localization of acoustic sources is demonstrated.
- Capability to analyze acoustic fields distant from the sensing fiber.
Conclusions:
- The proposed blind method effectively processes DAS data without prior information.
- It offers robust acoustic source localization and characterization.
- This approach expands the application scope of DAS systems for vibration monitoring.
