Advances in Laser-Induced Acoustic Technology for Underwater Detection

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.