Research on a high-resolution angle-measurement acoustic vector sensor based on the acousto-optic effect

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Optics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Acoustic vector sensors (AVS) are gaining traction due to their non-contact nature and wide bandwidth capabilities.
• The acousto-optic effect (AOE) provides a unique spatial integral response of sound waves, differing from conventional AVS.
• This unique response mechanism in AOE-based AVS shows potential for enhanced angular resolution in direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a detailed theoretical model of the acousto-optic effect's integral response in AVS.
• To explore the impact of this integral response on angular resolution for DOA estimation.
• To design and validate a joint estimation method for high-resolution angle measurement using AOE-based AVS.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical model analyzing the spatial integral response of AOE in AVS.
• Design of a joint estimation algorithm leveraging the AOE model for improved DOA estimation.
• Experimental validation and simulation of the theoretical model and estimation method across a broadband frequency range.

Main Results:

• The theoretical model accurately predicts broadband performance (25 kHz to 75 kHz) with less than 5% deviation.
• The joint estimation method achieves high-resolution angle measurement with a low average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.14°.
• Demonstrated feasibility of the AOE-based AVS for accurate and high-resolution angle measurement.

Conclusions:

• The developed theoretical model provides a foundation for understanding AOE's role in AVS angular resolution.
• The joint estimation method offers a significant advancement in high-resolution DOA estimation using a single acoustic vector sensor (SAVS).
• This research is expected to drive further development in AOE-based AVS technology for precise angle measurement applications.