The publication states that this is the first device of its kind in the world. In the open sea it can detect extremely small surface vibrations caused by a low frequency sound source in the terahertz range. These waves are only 10 nanometers high, which is well below the detection range of current technologies.

what is known

As Chinese military scientists have noted in their paper, when a submarine moves at high speed, it “creates a significant amount of radiated noise that propagates to the water’s surface and drives surface vibrations.” However, this anxiety weakens immensely when it reaches the surface. It was previously thought impossible to distinguish it from the natural waves of the ocean.

According to the researchers, following and analyzing these waves using new technology, It is used not only to locate a submarine, but also to gather critical intelligence such as its noise signature or pattern. submarine.

The terahertz range is on the scale between microwave and infrared radiation. The technology based on it has been proposed as a potential solution for next-generation communications technology, or 6G, to achieve high data rates and low latency. Electromagnetic signals in this range not only carry much more information than current communication methods, but can also collect information about the environment. For example, some airports in China use terahertz devices to detect illegal items hidden under passengers’ clothes.

Generating strong terahertz signals used to be difficult, but in recent years, thanks to increased investment in 6G, scientists in China and other countries have made a breakthrough that has driven mass adoption of the technology.

Seems like, they will use it in maneuverable drones along with other methods to detect submarinesSuch as a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), microwave radar or laser.

Interestingly, the same technology can be used to communicate between objects in different environments (for example, a submarine and a friendly aircraft). To do this, the boat’s crew will encode the messages in surface vibrations too small to be detected by enemy forces, and the aircraft will read the messages on the waves using a terahertz device. This way, you can coordinate your movements during a large-scale military operation without fear of the enemy getting in the way.