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Distributed acoustic sensing system utilizing Gaussian-shaped probe pulses for seismic wave detection.
Qishuai Ge1,2, Ao Xie1,2, Jin Cheng1
1Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 8, 2026
Summary
This study presents a new Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) prototype with enhanced low-frequency detection. Using Gaussian pulses significantly reduces noise, improving seismic monitoring and subsurface imaging capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is vital for seismic monitoring and subsurface imaging.
- Enhanced low-frequency detection is crucial for these applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a DAS prototype with superior low-frequency (0.01-1 Hz) response.
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of Gaussian-shaped probe pulses for noise reduction.
Main Methods:
- Developed a DAS engineering prototype.
- Utilized Gaussian-shaped probe pulses instead of conventional square-wave pulses.
- Conducted laboratory measurements and field deployments.
Main Results:
- Achieved a self-noise level below -156.8 dB re ε/√Hz @ 0.1 Hz.
- Demonstrated a 32-dB noise reduction compared to rectangular pulses.
- Successfully detected 0.01 Hz vibrations and distant seismic events (MW 7.3 and MW 6.6 earthquakes).
Conclusions:
- The developed DAS system exhibits excellent low-frequency performance.
- Gaussian pulses significantly suppress instrument noise.
- The system has substantial potential for earthquake monitoring, hydroacoustic sensing, and near-surface imaging.
