SONAR SYSTEM FOR OPTICO-ACOUSTIC EXAMINATION OF UNDERWATER OBJECT Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: underwater acoustics, acoustic and optical monitoring of noiseless underwater objects. SUBSTANCE: essence of invention consists in formation of laser beam with hollow core that heats surface of object which begins to emit acoustic waves as result of it. Zone with increased temperature along beam periphery is created in aqueous medium which leads to formation of sound conducting channel over which acoustic waves go to acoustic converter that forms acoustic image of object by means of reflector and scanner. Proposed sonar system includes video camera recording image and programming device controlling operation of sonar system. EFFECT: increased examination efficiency of underwater objects thanks to use of its optical and acoustic characteristics. 2 cl, 1 dwg