A self-adaptive correction method with eliminating the influence of angular response for multi-beam acoustic intensity data

The multibeam backscatter strength(BS) is greatly affected by acoustic scattering mechanism among the process of multibeam acoustic data acquisition, which is the so-called angular response(AR). While, the AR effect has not been weakened by the acoustic hardware perfectly. There isn’t a post-processing method to correct the BS on the complex seabed sediment correctly, especially in the high-incident-angle domain. An improved self-adaptive angular response correction model for the multibeam backs...     

The high-frequency backscattering angular response of gassy sediments: model/data comparison from the Eel River Margin,California

A model for the high-frequency backscatter angular response of gassy sediments is proposed. For the interface backscatter contribution we adopted the model developed by Jackson et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 79, 1410-1422 (1986)], but added modifications to accommodate gas bubbles. The model parameters that are affected by gas content are the density ratio, the sound speed ratio, and the loss parameter. For the volume backscatter contribution we developed a model based on the presence and distribution of gas in the sediment. We treat the bubbles as individual discrete scatterers that sum to the total bubble contribution. This total bubble contribution is then added to the volume contribution of other scatters. The presence of gas affects both the interface and the volume contribution of the backscatter angular response in a complex way that is dependent on both grain size and water depth. The backscatter response of fine-grained gassy sediments is dominated by the volume contribution while that of coarser-grained gassy sediments is affected by both volume and interface contributions. In deep water the interface backscatter is only slightly affected by the presence of gas while the volume scattering is strongly affected. In shallow water the interface backscatter is severely reduced in the presence of gas while the volume backscatter is only slightly increased. Multibeam data acquired offshore northern California at 95 kHz provides raw measurements for the backscatter as a function of grazing angle. These raw backscatter measurements are then reduced to scattering strength for comparison with the results of the proposed model. The analysis of core samples at various locations provides local measurements of physical properties and gas content in the sediments that, when compared to the model, show general agreement.     

一种消除角度响应影响的多波束声强数据自适应改正方法

针对多波束反向散射强度(Backscatter Strength,BS)数据在采集过程中受到声学散射机理而产生的角度响应(Angular Response,AR)影响,而目前声学硬件方面尚未完美解决且现有后处理改正方法在复杂海底底质环境下适应性较差,尤其在高入射角区域的改正效果甚为不理想的问题,为此,给出了一种基于散射强度的自适应角度响应改正模型。首先获取连续脉冲(Ping)平均散射强度数据的角度响应曲线;其次使用高斯拟合方法对角度响应曲线进行平滑拟合处理,进而对其解算二阶导数提取角度响应模型改正参数;最后给出顾及高入射角区域的单Ping反向散射强度数据的分段处理改正模型。实验结果表明,该方法与传统方法相比,整个发射扇区散射强度平均偏差精度约提高30V,尤其在影响较大的高入射角区域,平均偏差精度约提高40V,并且该区域的标准差精度也提高了近30%。该模型较好地解决了多波束在非正射情况下获取海底精准散射声强的问题,削弱了声波散射机理的影响;同时也解决了散射强度过渡不均衡、中央波束区域改正异常等问题。因此,提高了多波束反向散射强度的可靠性,可以真实地呈现出海底实际的地貌。      

Neural network classification of multibeam backscatter and bathymetry data from Stanton Bank (Area IV)

The paper presents an approach to automated seabed classification that incorporates spatially coincident bathymetric and backscatter data collected in multibeam surveys. The classification algorithm is a self-organising artificial neural network that can be used as a rapid classifier of grids of bathymetry (and attributes such as slope and roughness) and backscatter strength (and textures), or in a mode that uses both datasets at beam level to construct high spatial resolution classifications that preserve angular information in the backscatter. The latter mode requires processing of backscatter angular responses in a manner consistent with the essential physics of acoustic scattering from the seafloor.     

Acquisition and processing of backscatter data for habitat mapping - Comparison of multibeam and sidescan systems

Often marine habitat surveys use multibeam bathymetry systems to model the seafloor. This describes the morphology but not the terrain lithology or substrate. Backscatter imagery helps the interpreter to better classify the physical environment that may support a particular biological community. In this contribution, the acquisition performance of both multibeam and sidescan sonar backscatter imagery are contrasted and examples shown. The logistical factors affecting the two systems during surveying are discussed and data from both systems compared.Choice of systems for habitat mapping is discussed. A relative cost analysis of the various survey systems is presented with varying resolution and coverage. The size and shape of the footprint, and thus resolution, is variable dependant on many factors, including ship speed, data processing and sampling. The resolution and formation of imagery is important, but high sampling rates are shown not to be a complete solution as over-sampling can present a false impression of high resolution. However, it is suggested that backscatter imagery should have least 7 bit sensitivity to aid visual and digital inspection. Habitat mapping examples are shown using multibeam backscatter and sidescan sonar, where the processing has been optimised for backscatter imagery. A key question is how much of high resolution bathymetry data is essential for habitat mapping, and whether backscatter imagery can provide more of the information required at a higher resolution than a bathymetric morphology map.     

Model-based seafloor characterization employing multi-beam angular backscatter data--a comparative study with dual-frequency single beam

Sediment geoacoustic inversion results are estimated employing a multi-beam (MB) echo-sounding system operable at 95 kHz. To characterize the western continental shelf of India (off Goa) seafloor, MB backscatter signals were acquired along with grab sediment samples. The substrate type and roughness of the site were estimated using the composite roughness scattering model with the measured backscatter values. The seafloor parameters, namely mean grain size (M(φ)); roughness spectrum strength (w(2)) and exponent (γ(2)); and sediment volume parameter (σ(2)), for coarse and fine grain sediments are estimated by employing the MB system. These parameters have also been estimated at two other frequencies (33 and 210 kHz) and are compared to the ground truth data to provide sufficient support in validating the model results and increasing the understanding of the shelf seafloor processes. Distinct interclass separations between the sediment provinces are evident from the estimated mean grain size M(φ) and water-sediment interface roughness w(2). The seafloor parameters for coarse and fine grain sediments derived from the 95 kHz MB data are consistent with the sediment sample data as well as with the inversion results obtained using backscatter data at 33 and 210 kHz from the same locations.     

Textural analyses of multibeam sonar imagery from Stanton Banks, Northern Ireland continental shelf

The mapping of marine habitats mainly relies on acoustic techniques and there is a clear need for reliable classification methods supplementing the interpreter with as much quantitative information as possible. This article presents textural analyses of multibeam sonar imagery from Stanton Banks, on the continental shelf off Northern Ireland. TexAn, originally developed for the textural analysis of sidescan sonar imagery, was tested over an area of ∼72 km² surveyed in 2005 by the European MESH project. The multibeam imagery is affected by several artefacts, including strong uncorrected angular variations in some tracks, and the acquisition of some tracks with very different aspects. The results from unsupervised classification of the imagery, using K-Means, match well the interpretations that can be made using concurrent bathymetric data and visual observations acquired in a later cruise. Textural analyses successfully detect faint trawlmarks and distinguish between the different types of seafloor, including variations within sediments, rocky outcrops and gullied terrains.     

Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence studies on sediments from the methanic zone of the Helgoland mud area,North Sea

⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used to determine the identity of iron(III) oxides in surface (top 30 cm ) and subsurface (> 30 cm – 500 cm)sediments from the Helgoland mud area in the German Bight of the North Sea. A 500 cm-long sediment core was cut in 25cm sections while only the top 10 cm of a 30 cm-long sediment core was sampled. Using a MIMOS spectrometer, MS spectra were recorded at 293K (RT) in backscattering geometry. At 80K and 5.5K, MS analysis was carried out in transmission geometry. At RT and 80K only illite was observed, but at 5.5K lepidocrocite was revealed in the MS spectra. The relation between Fe(III) and Fe(II) doublets of illite did not significantly vary with depth, but the relative amount of lepidocrocite increased with depth reaching about 24 % of iron phases, as revealed by MS. XRF measurements showed that the amount of Fe in the sediments varied with depth but was always less than 4 % of total elemental composition. The main component of the sediment was silica and its depth profile alternated with those of other elements, especially aluminium and iron. It was observed that elevated concentrations of dissolved iron in the subsurface sediment of the Helgoland mud area correlated with the depth-wise distribution of distinct microbial populations presumably due to microbial reduction of excess bioavailable iron minerals such as lepidocrocite. These results are thus, important in the context of microbe-mineral interactions in marine sediments as iron oxides are an electron acceptor for microbial anaerobic respiration.     

Evaluation of the dosimetric characteristics of a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter for high-energy photon and electron beams in the field of radiotherapy

We aimed to evaluate the suitability of a glass dosimeter (GD) for high-energy photon and electron beams in experimental and clinical use, especially for radiation therapy. We examined the expanded dosimetric characteristics of GDs including dose linearity up to 500 Gy, uniformity among GD lots and for individual GDs, the angular dependence, and energy dependence of 4 therapeutic x-ray qualities. In addition, we measured the dosimetric features (dose linearity, uniformity, angular dependence, and energy dependence) of the GD for electron beams of 10 different electron energy qualities. All measurements with the exception of dose linearity for photon beam were performed in a water phantom. For high-energy photon beams, dose linearity has a linear relationship for a dose ranging from 1 to 500 Gy with the coefficient of determination; R² of 0.998. The uniformity of each GD of dose measurements was within ±0.5% for four GD lots and within ±1.2% for 80 GDs. In terms of the effects of photon beam angle, lower absorbed doses of within 1.0% were observed between 60° and 105° than at 90°. The GD energy dependence of 4 photon beam energy qualities was within ±2.0%. On the other hand, the result of the dose linearity for high-energy electron beams showed well fitted regression line with the coefficient of determination; R² of 0.999 between 6 and 20 MeV. The uniformity of GDs exposed to the nominal electron energies 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV was ±1.2%. In terms of the angular dependence to electron beams, absorbed doses were within 2.0% between 60° and 105° than at 90°. In evaluation of the energy dependence of the GD at nominal electron energies between 5 and 20 MeV, we obtained responses between 1.1% and 3.5% lower than that for a cobalt-60 beam. Our results show that GDs can be used as a detector for determining doses when a high-energy photon beam is used, and that it also has considerable potential for dose measurement of high-energy electron beam.     

Physical principles and methodology for investigating the frequency selective properties of randomly inhomogeneous channels with discrete opaque inhomogeneities

The characteristic features of experimental and theoretical investigations of the pass band in channels having discrete mutually screening inhomogeneities are analyzed. A comparison is made of methods and methodologies for measuring the delay spectra and the angular energy spectra of a multibeam field at a point of observation in such channels and in channels having continuously distributed “transparent” inhomogeneities. It is shown that when estimating the pass band in the former, the delay spectrum must be analyzed in a moving system of coordinates whose origin is coincident with the time of arrival of the first “beam.” A corresponding theoretical analysis is performed for the case when the “beam” arrival times form a nonsteady-state Poisson stream. State University, Tomsk. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 6, pp. 95–101, June, 1996.     

Electrical properties of plastically deformed n-type InSb

The conductivity and Hall effect have been measured between 78 ° and 295 ° K for n-InSb plastically deformed by uniaxial compression at 150 °, 200 °, 250 °, and 300 ° C. The sharp fall in the conductivity and the rise in the Hall coefficient are explained by trapping and scattering of carriers at dislocations and by scattering at point defects. Hole conduction occurs at low temperatures in specimens deformed 2.3% at 300 ° C. All deformed n-type specimens alter their low-temperature conductivity type after 3 hr at 300 ° C.     

Acoustic measurement of suspensions of clay and silt particles using single frequency attenuation and backscatter

The use of ultrasonic acoustic technology to measure the concentration of fine suspended sediments has the potential to greatly increase the temporal and spatial resolution of sediment measurements while reducing the need for personnel to be present at gauging stations during storm events. The conversion of high-frequency attenuation and backscatter amplitudes to suspended silt and clay concentration has received relatively little attention in the literature. In order to improve the state of knowledge, a laboratory investigation was undertaken by the National Center for Physical Acoustics in cooperation with the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory. In these experiments, two immersion transducers were used to measure attenuation and backscatter from 20 MHz acoustic signals propagated through suspended clay (smectite and kaolinite) and silt particles. The resulting data includes attenuation values for a wide range of concentrations (0.3–14 g/L) and particle sizes (0.03–14 μm diameter). Attenuation curves for each particle were compared to the theoretical attenuation curves developed by Urick (1948) and Sheng and Hay (1988) for scattering as presented by Landers (2010) [5,11,12]. In addition, it was found that the backscatter signal could be used to discriminate between suspensions dominated by clay or silt.     

Two-wavelength lidar inversion algorithm for determination of aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratio and its application to CALIPSO lidar measurements

A modified two-wavelength lidar inversion algorithm is proposed to aid in the retrieval of aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratios (lidar ratio) as well as backscatter coefficients and extinction color ratios from simultaneous two-wavelength elastic backscatter lidar measurements. To demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm, both the Raman method and the two-wavelength method have been applied to the ground-based measurements at 355 and 532 nm; moreover, it has been applied to the data acquired by the Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) lidar, and to the simultaneous ground-based lidar measurements carried out at Napoli (southern Italy, 40.838 °N, 14.183 °E, 118 m above sea level). Three cases of Saharan dust transport towards Europe have been considered. From the comparison, it can be found that the values of lidar ratio and backscatter coefficient retrieved by the modified two-wavelength algorithm are in good agreement with those obtained by the Raman method. Moreover the retrieved mean values of the lidar ratios and color ratios are in agreement with those reported by other authors.     

Angular scatter ultrasound imaging of wavelength scale targets

A bistatic ultrasound imaging system is demonstrated that uses two 32-element linear phased array transducers oriented at an angle of 40 degrees to one another. The system simultaneously acquires and displays in real time one conventional backscatter image and one "angular scatter" image formed using side-scattered echoes from the same B-mode sector region. Experiments are presented that show differences in the magnitudes of backscatter and angular scatter signals acquired from three nylon monofilaments with diameters less than one wavelength and from soft tissue structures in vivo. The relative magnitudes of angular scatter signals from the monofilaments are qualitatively consistent with a theoretical analysis of acoustic scattering from elastic cylinders. Larger tissue features are more clearly defined in angular scatter images. This result is attributed to the orientation of specularly reflecting surfaces and the expected influence of scattering angle on the system's sensitivity to different scatterer spacings.     

Deposition of tungsten nitride thin films by plasma focus device at different axial and angular positions

Tungsten nitride thin films were deposited on stainless steel-304 substrates by using a low energy (2 kJ) Mather type plasma focus device. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and microhardness are used to study the surface of treated samples. The XRD analysis shows that the degree of crystallinity of deposited thin films strongly depends on axial and angular positions of samples. The SEM micrographs of the deposited films at different angular positions (0°, 10° and 30°) and axial position of 8 cm show that the content of WN sub-micro crystalline structures on the surface of deposited films decreased with increasing the angle with respect to anode axis. From AFM results we observe that for the sample deposited at 8 cm and 0° axial and angular positions, respectively, the most uniform surface and the most homogenous distribution of grains are obtained. Also the hardness results show that the highest mechanical hardness is obtained when the film is deposited at 8 cm and 0° axial and angular positions, respectively.     

A Bayesian approach to seafloor classification using multi-beam echo-sounder backscatter data

Seafloor classification using acoustic remote sensing techniques is an attractive approach due to its high-coverage capabilities and limited costs. The multi-beam echo-sounder (MBES) system provides high-resolution bathymetry and backscatter information with 100% coverage. In this paper, we present a seafloor classification method that employs the MBES backscatter data. The method uses the averaged backscatter data per beam. It, therefore, is independent on the quality of the MBES calibration. Also, its performance is insensitive to seafloor type variation along the MBES swathe and corrections for the angular dependence of the backscatter are not needed. The method accounts for the ping-to-ping variability of the backscatter intensity. It estimates both the number of seafloor types present in the survey area and the probability density function for the backscatter strength at a certain angle for each of the seafloor types. Application of the method to MBES backscatter data acquired in a well-known test area in the North Sea shows very good agreement with available ground truth. The method’s discriminatory performance for this area is demonstrated to be comparable to that of taking samples of the sediment. All seafloor types known to be present in the area are resolved for. Application of the method to the Stanton bank data set shows clearly separable areas that differ in seafloor composition.     

Holographic angle multiplexing combined with peristrophic multiplexing in a photorefractive LiNbO3 crystal

We have investigated angle multiplexing combined with peristrophic (rotational) multiplexing in a photorefractive LiNbO₃ crystal of cylindrical shape. The peristrophic multiplexing was achieved by rotating the recording medium while the angle multiplexing, by varying the incident angle of the reference beam. Angle multiplexing in synchronization with rotation of the sample made it possible to continuously record and retrieve holograms. In the combined multiplexing, holograms were stored at different peristrophic positions and thus their angular selectivity could be much improved in comparison to that of only angle-multiplexed holograms. The theoretical angular selectivity was derived, along with its dependence on the sample rotation. The experimentally measured selectivity was in agreement with the theoretical one. The angular selectivity of angle-multiplexed holograms was measured to be 0.03° in the absence of sample rotation and it became less than 0.0075° with a sample rotation by 5.4°.     

Improving riverbed sediment classification using backscatter and depth residual features of multi-beam echo-sounder systems

Riverbed and seafloor sediment classification using acoustic remote sensing techniques is of high interest due to their high coverage capabilities at limited cost. This contribution presents the results of riverbed sediment classification using multi-beam echo-sounder data based on an empirical method. Two data sets are considered, both taken at the Waal River, namely Sint Andries and Nijmegen. This work is a follow-up to the work carried out by Amiri-Simkooei et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126(4), 1724-1738 (2009)]. The empirical method bases the classification on features of the backscatter strength and depth residuals. A principal component analysis is used to identify the most appropriate and informative features. Clustering is then applied to the principal components resulting from this set of features to assign a sediment class to each measurement. The results show that the backscatter strength features discriminate between different classes based on the sediment properties, whereas the depth residual features discriminate classes based on riverbed forms such as the "fixed layer" (stone having riprap structure) and riverbed ripples. Combination of these two sets of features is highly recommended because they provide complementary information on both the composition and the structure of the riverbed.     

On the angular dependence of gaps in 1-D Si/SiO2 periodic structures

A multilayer of silicon and silicon dioxide was used to study the angular dependence of reflectance maxima originating from interference and bulk optical properties. Silicon dioxide has a lattice resonance in the infrared causing an interval of high reflectance for wavelengths around 9 μm. The multilayer was designed such that the interference maxima do not overlap/interact with the material related reflectance maximum. In this way the different angular behavior for the two types of reflectance maxima can be studied simultaneously. Experimental and calculated reflectance spectra for s- and p-polarized light for angles of incidence between 0° and 90° collected for every 5° are presented. The reflectance features caused by interference generally move to shorter wavelengths with increasing angle of incidence, and the materials related peak is widened for (s-polarized light) and excitation of the longitudinal modes was observed for p-polarized light.