Scientific application of advanced underwater positioning techniques

The Italian Institute For Nuclear Physics, INFN, has under manufacturing a set of synchronous acoustic beacons that will be laid in 3000 m of water depth to position a large number of optical modules. The technology demonstrator is located offshore Catania. In the final configuration, future detectors will be occupying a cube having one kilometre in all dimensions. The system composed of up to 5 seabed synchronous beacons and a number of acoustic digital receivers mounted inside the pressure housings will offer a sub-metric accuracy. Delivery of the system will take place in 2005. For this application, ACSA Underwater GPS, INFN partner, will introduce a new technology known as Time Spectral Spread Codes, "TSSC". The presentation will cover underwater positioning techniques: system architecture, technical and advanced data processing aspects.