ACOUSTICAL IMAGING INTERFEROMETER FOR DETECTION OF BURIED UNDERWATER OBJECTS

A method and system for underwater detection of fully or partially buried objects such as sea mines and underwater cables, consisting of a mobile underwater platform configured with a real-time, three dimensional acoustical camera with a downward directed field of view used as an imaging interferometer, coordinated with a high-intensity, low frequency acoustical transmitter directed as to disturb the loose particulate or elastic matter comprising the seafloor within the field of view of the camera. The images recorded by the camera display the relative motion of the seafloor material before and after an acoustical pulse, in contrast to the lesser or no motion of submerged solid objects. Distinguishing man-made from natural objects is aided by recognizing geometric shapes apparent within the varying image density, not common in nature.