Pulse duration, frequency band, and sweep direction effects on crosstalk in wideband backscattering measurements

Multiple broadband transducers are typically used to cover both a wide frequency range and fill in gaps resulting from sampling with multiple narrowband echosounders. Synchronized operation of these echosounders is preferred in many cases. Simultaneous operation of multiple broadband echosounders, even when using non-overlapping primary bands, can result in cross-channel interferences caused by nonlinear generation of sound and can contaminate backscattered signal. Decreasing the transmit power of channels with lower frequencies has been demonstrated as an effective technique for reducing the level of crosstalk. Reducing the transmit power inherently decreases the signal energy. Hence, the reduction in crosstalk also reduces signal-to-noise ratio and consequently observation range. Increasing the broadband pulse duration is an alternative to compensate for the reduced signal energy from lower transmit power. This paper examines the effects of increasing pulse duration on crosstalk through numerical modeling and field experiments. Raising the transmit power amplifies the higher-harmonic level more than the main band, while extending the pulse duration increases the levels of both main-band and higher harmonics the same amount. Additionally, the study explores the influence of frequency band and sweep direction on crosstalk.