Matched field processing in a range-dependent environment

A technique is developed for range-dependent matched field processing (MFP) where the field is computed using a parabolic equation (PE) approximation to the acoustic wave equation. The two-dimensional PE field is computed at each sensor in the array for a set of possible source ranges, depths, and bearings to form an N*2-dimensional model for the acoustic field. Discrete estimates of the position of the source are obtained by applying MFP, in which the match is optimized as a function of source position. Using simulated data, source localization in a noisy range-dependent environment is illustrated for several types of array. For the cases studied in this report, a lower level of ambiguity in localization was observed for range-dependent MFP than for a related range-independent problem.<>