Minimax robust matched-field processing

Abstract

The incorporation of propagation modeling into array signal processing, usually referred to as ‘‘matched-field processing,’’ has received considerable attention. The issue of the sensitivity of the performance of these methods to uncertainty about the environmental knowledge remains an open issue. In this paper broadband processing methods that are tolerant of the uncertainty about environmental knowledge are investigated. A robust matched-field processor based on minimax robust filtering methods is developed. The performance of the robust processor, in the presence of uncertain environmental knowledge, is compared to conventional methods in the context of a shallow water example. In the cases examined the robust method provided significant performance improvements over conventional methods.