Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection

Zhao, Jin; Yu, Kexin; Xu, Shuaiqi; Wang, Maorong; Yang, Yiguang; Xu, Degang; Yao, Jianquan; Wang, Xia

doi:10.3390/w17223285

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Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection

by

Jin Zhao

¹,

Kexin Yu

¹,

Shuaiqi Xu

¹,

Maorong Wang

^1,*,

Yiguang Yang

^2,*

,

Degang Xu

³

,

Jianquan Yao

³ and

Xia Wang

^1,4

¹

College of Mathematics and Physics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China

²

Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266061, China

³

College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronic Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China

⁴

College of Physical Science and Technology, Jinan University, Jinan 250024, China

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Water 2025, 17(22), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223285

Submission received: 18 October 2025 / Revised: 4 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 November 2025 / Published: 17 November 2025

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Hydrological Remote Sensing)

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Abstract

Laser-induced acoustic (LIA) underwater detection, as a next-generation sensing paradigm, combines high spatial resolution, rapid temporal response, and cross-medium detection capability, positioning it as a strategically significant technology in marine resource exploration, military security, and ocean environmental monitoring. The fundamental principles underlying LIA technology are systematically examined, together with recent advances in representative experimental systems and critical enabling techniques. The characteristics of the laser–acoustic transmission channel are comprehensively investigated, and the mechanisms through which laser parameters modulate the properties of acoustic signals are rigorously elucidated. Moreover, several challenges hindering practical applications are underscored, including laser energy attenuation, interference arising from complex underwater environments, and the comparatively high cost of equipment. Finally, future research directions are outlined, encompassing the development of high-efficiency laser sources, multimodal integrated sensing strategies, intelligent signal processing algorithms, and improved environmental adaptability. These efforts are intended to provide theoretical underpinnings for the continued advancement and broader application of LIA-based underwater detection technologies.

Keywords: Laser-Induced Acoustic (LIA); underwater detection; underwater acoustics; cross-medium propagation; marine exploration

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MDPI and ACS Style

Zhao, J.; Yu, K.; Xu, S.; Wang, M.; Yang, Y.; Xu, D.; Yao, J.; Wang, X. Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection. Water 2025, 17, 3285. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223285

AMA Style

Zhao J, Yu K, Xu S, Wang M, Yang Y, Xu D, Yao J, Wang X. Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection. Water. 2025; 17(22):3285. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223285

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhao, Jin, Kexin Yu, Shuaiqi Xu, Maorong Wang, Yiguang Yang, Degang Xu, Jianquan Yao, and Xia Wang. 2025. "Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection" Water 17, no. 22: 3285. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223285

APA Style

Zhao, J., Yu, K., Xu, S., Wang, M., Yang, Y., Xu, D., Yao, J., & Wang, X. (2025). Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection. Water, 17(22), 3285. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223285

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

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