Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “High-frequency signal processing”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

36 records · Page 2

Automated Classification of Vehicle Movements at Signalized Intersections Using Vehicle Trajectories

Accurate vehicle movement classification through signalized intersections is of paramount importance to the analysis of intersection performance and the optimization of traffic control strategies. Conventional techniques for tracking vehicle turning movements depend on infrastructure-based strategies like human counts, loop detectors, and video analytics, all of which are costly, prone to errors, and spatially constrained. High-frequency trajectory data can be utilized to determine vehicle movement patterns in a scalable and infrastructure-independent method due to the adoption of connected vehicles (CVs). In recent years, several studies have utilized connected vehicle data to generate performance measures. Most of the trajectory-based performance measures approaches, however, require map matching-i.e., extracting geospatial references from maps to identify the movements that individual vehicles make at a signalized intersection. These approaches are often time-consuming and hinder scalability since geographic features need to be provided for an analysis to be conducted. Map matching methods are prone to errors as different map versions change these geographic features. This research presents a novel automatic classification pipeline that uses CV trajectory data to classify vehicle movements at signalized crossings, specifically pass-through left-turn and right-turn maneuvers. The process starts by filtering trips that cross a spatial bounding box that has been defined at the target intersection. Approach and departure headings for each trajectory crossing the boundary are computed and are clustered together to identify dominant movements. The proposed algorithm is used to classify the movement of vehicles at 10 intersections in the state of California, and the results indicate that the algorithm can classify movements at these intersections with varying traffic volumes and road network configurations, all in a map-less framework with no need for conflation of vehicle trajectories to a digital base map.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Probing thermal conductivity of subsurface, amorphous layers in irradiated diamond

In this study, we report on the thermal conductivity of amorphous carbon generated in diamond via nitrogen ion implantation (N 3+ at 16.5 MeV). Here, transmission electron microscopy techniques demonstrate amorphous band formation about the longitudinal projected range, localized approximately 7 μm beneath the sample surface. While high-frequency time-domain thermoreflectance measurements provide insight into the thermal properties of the near-surface preceding the longitudinal projected range depth, a complimentary technique, steady-state thermoreflectance, is used to probe the thermal conductivity at depths which could not otherwise be resolved. Through measurements with a series of focusing objective lenses for the laser spot size, we find the thermal conductivity of the amorphous region to be approximately 1.4 W m –1 K –1 , which is comparable to that measured for amorphous carbon films fabricated through other techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multicarrier Spread Spectrum Communications With Noncontiguous Subcarrier Bands for HF Skywave Links

Existing high-frequency (HF) radio platforms offer robust performance against the volatile HF propagation channel. However, the growing traffic across the band contests the reliability of these systems. While techniques to mitigate the effects of narrowband interference have been thoroughly explored, they are insufficient against wideband interference or when the transmission band is occupied by numerous scattered users. To improve reliability in these congested channel conditions, we propose a filter-bank based multicarrier spread-spectrum waveform with noncontiguous subcarrier bands. Using noncontiguous subcarrier bands enables the system to at once leverage the robustness of a wideband system while retaining the frequency agility of a narrowband system. In this study, we modify a filter-bank transmitter structure to accommodate noncontiguous subcarrier bands and consider several immediate impacts of this change, such as elevated peak-to-average-power ratios (PAPRs). A receiver architecture to process the noncontiguous spread-spectrum signal is also introduced, along with details regarding wideband channel estimation. Finally, we develop efficient transmitter and receiver structures to support practical system implementations. We conclude by comparing the performance of contiguous and noncontiguous systems through both simulation and over-the-air testing. The results show that the noncontiguous system remains robust in typical HF channels while significantly outperforming the contiguous system in congested spectral conditions.

(PAPR↗

High-Frequency Signature-Based Fault Detection for Future MV Distribution Grids: Preprint

Increased deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and microgrids are significantly changing the operation of distribution grid. Increasing penetration of power electronics based DERs also raise several operational problems such as protection coordination issues, voltage raise, recloser synchronization, stability, and frequency control. Legacy systems are designed for unidirectional power flow. Bidirectional power flows, and varying short circuit levels are some of the major challenges in implementing these legacy protection schemes for future power grid with high penetration of power electronics based DERs. Inverter based DER’s can contribute to a maximum of 2 p.u. fault current. Interconnection standards might require even lower fault current contribution. If these protection related challenges are not addressed, it will result in limiting the penetration of DERs in distribution feeders. In this paper, the feasibility of high frequency signature generated by transients is evaluated to identify and locate faults in a distribution system. The paper will discuss the need for an accurate line modeling approach to accurately capture the high frequency signatures. These high frequency signatures are naturally occurring electromagnetic transients for events such as switching events in the network, faults events, etc. This is different than that implemented in transmission systems as the proposed approach utilizes advanced signal processing techniques to retrieve valuable information from the high frequency signatures generated during faults and does not just rely on time delay measurements between reflections of the high frequency signals. In the full paper, information of a modified IEEE distribution feeder test system to accurately model the high frequency signatures will be provided. The distribution lines will be modeled using universal line modeling (ULM) technique in an electromagnetic transients program (EMTP) modeling platform. Different test cases will be simulated and these test cases will include different fault types, multiple fault locations, capacitor bank switching, etc. The feeder system modeled for these simulations will also include power electronics based DERs. Additionally, experimental results demonstrating the high frequency signatures generated due to a transient event in a medium voltage (13.8 kV) distribution line will also be presented in the full paper. Furthermore, the analysis combined with simulation and experimental results in the full paper will help demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed protection scheme. The developed protection scheme will not just help solve problems generated by bidirectional current flow, varying short-circuit current capacity, but also help in proliferation of DERs in distribution systems.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Aerosol jet printing of piezoelectric surface acoustic wave thermometer

Abstract Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are a subclass of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) that generate an acoustic emission when electrically stimulated. These transducers also work as detectors, converting surface strain into readable electrical signals. Physical properties of the generated SAW are material dependent and influenced by external factors like temperature. By monitoring temperature-dependent scattering parameters a SAW device can function as a thermometer to elucidate substrate temperature. Traditional fabrication of SAW sensors requires labor- and cost- intensive subtractive processes that produce large volumes of hazardous waste. This study utilizes an innovative aerosol jet printer to directly write consistent, high-resolution, silver comb electrodes onto a Y-cut LiNbO 3 substrate. The printed, two-port, 20 MHz SAW sensor exhibited excellent linearity and repeatability while being verified as a thermometer from 25 to 200 ∘ C. Sensitivities of the printed SAW thermometer are $$-96.9\times 1{0{}^{-6}}^{\circ }$$ − 96.9 × 1 0 − 6 ∘ C −1 and $$-92.0\times 1{0{}^{-6}}^{\circ }$$ − 92.0 × 1 0 − 6 ∘ C −1 when operating in pulse-echo mode and pulse-receiver mode, respectively. These results highlight a repeatable path to the additive fabrication of compact high-frequency SAW thermometers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Millimeter-wave dielectric tunability driven by topological polar structure switching in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices

Dielectric tunability induced by an external electric field in materials underpins radio frequency signal modulation devices such as phase shifters, which are critical components in wireless communication and sensing systems. However, the tunability and integrability of current devices have yet to be enhanced for emerging applications, particularly at millimeter-wave frequencies. Here, we demonstrate that topological polar structures formed in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices exhibit large tunable in-plane dielectric properties, as determined by their multiscale structural configurations and polarization switching behaviors. Under a moderate field of 30 kV cm −1 , the dipole wave structure maintains a tunability exceeding 15% at 70 GHz and above 8% over the measured range up to 110 GHz, contrasting with the weakly tunable flux closure structure. Based on in situ structural characterizations and molecular dynamics simulations, we delineate the polarization switching processes and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed tunable millimeter-wave dielectric responses. Our results provide new insights into the high-frequency dielectric properties of topological polar phases, potentially broadening the versatility of these materials in next-generation integrated electronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic brightening and nanoscale imaging of spin-polarized helical edge modes in ZrTe 5

Efficient charge transport remains a fundamental challenge for nanoelectronic devices, as their performance is constrained by high dissipation and the impedance mismatch between high-frequency signal sources and nanoscale circuit interfaces. Although topologically protected helical edge modes offer a dissipationless and backscattering-resilient alternative, achieving nanoscale control over these modes requires direct visualization of their spatial electrodynamics, especially under high-frequency operation. Here, by utilizing cryogenic magneto-infrared scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (cm-IR-sSNOM), we image spin-polarized helical edge channels in ZrTe 5 at the nanoscale, revealing magnetic-field-induced brightening as a high-frequency electrodynamic signature of robust topological edge modes. Operating at 1.8 K and under a magnetic field of up to 5 T, we observe the emergence of edge-state polarizability at infrared frequencies that is notably resilient to the magnetic gaps that typically quench d.c. and microwave edge transport. Our results reveal a topological ‘two-lane’ spatial reorganization in which an external magnetic field induces a spin-population imbalance between counterpropagating edge modes. Favoured helical branches are confined against physical boundaries to activate a net infrared near-field contrast. This electrodynamic response scales linearly with the number of atomic layers, which confirms that individual layers in ZrTe 5 preserve their discrete quantum spin Hall identities. These findings may be useful for developing topological spintronic devices, as the magnetic infrared tunability of helical edge channels provides a pathway for low-loss nanoscale interconnects and high-speed information processing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Low-pass spectral analysis of time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography data

Low-pass spectral analysis (LPSA) is a recently developed dynamics retrieval algorithm showing excellent retrieval properties when applied to model data affected by extreme incompleteness and stochastic weighting. In this work, we apply LPSA to an experimental time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) dataset from the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and analyze its parametric sensitivity. While most dynamical modes are contaminated by nonphysical high-frequency features, we identify two dominant modes, which are little affected by spurious frequencies. The dynamics retrieved using these modes shows an isomerization signal compatible with previous findings. We employ synthetic data with increasing timing uncertainty, increasing incompleteness level, pixel-dependent incompleteness, and photon counting errors to investigate the root cause of the high-frequency contamination of our TR-SFX modes. By testing a range of methods, we show that timing errors comparable to the dynamical periods to be retrieved produce a smearing of dynamical features, hampering dynamics retrieval, but with no introduction of spurious components in the solution, when convergence criteria are met. Using model data, we are able to attribute the high-frequency contamination of low-order dynamical modes to the high levels of noise present in the data. Finally, we propose a method to handle missing observations that produces a substantial dynamics retrieval improvement from synthetic data with a significant static component. Reprocessing of the bR TR-SFX data using the improved method yields dynamical movies with strong isomerization signals compatible with previous findings.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Upgrades to the ion cyclotron emission diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak

The ion cyclotron emission diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak comprises seven single-turn loops that measure high-frequency (1–100 MHz) magnetic field fluctuations that are often excited by energetic particles in the plasma. The raw voltage signals induced in the loops in response to these fluctuations travel through a series of cables, isolation transformer DC blocks, low-pass filters, and finally a digitizer before being analyzed in frequency space. The diagnostic has been recently upgraded, most notably to include four additional graphite tile loops and a new eight-channel digitizer. The previous three loops are all on the low-field side of the tokamak. The measurement capabilities of the system have been expanded by the addition of a new horizontally oriented loop on the low-field side, an additional toroidal loop on the low-field side, and two toroidal loops on the high-field side. These loops will be used to provide approximate mode polarization, improved toroidal mode number calculations, and information on modes in inward-shifted plasmas, respectively.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Photonic circuits for laser stabilization with integrated ultra-high Q and Brillouin laser resonators

The integration of stabilized lasers, sources that generate spectrally pure light, will provide compact, low-cost solutions for applications including quantum information sciences, precision navigation and timing, metrology, and high-capacity fiber communications. We report a significant advancement in this field, demonstrating stabilization of an integrated waveguide Brillouin laser to an integrated waveguide reference cavity, where both resonators are fabricated using the same CMOS-compatible integration platform. We demonstrate reduction of the free running Brillouin laser linewidth to a 292 Hz integral linewidth and carrier stabilization to a 4.9 × 10 –13 fractional frequency at 8 ms reaching the cavity-intrinsic thermorefractive noise limit for frequencies down to 80 Hz. We achieve this level of performance using a pair of 56.4 x 10 6 quality factor Si 3 N 4 waveguide ring-resonators that reduce the high-frequency noise by the nonlinear Brillouin process and the low-frequency noise by Pound–Drever–Hall locking to the ultra-low loss resonator. These results represent an important step toward integrated stabilized lasers with reduced sensitivity to environmental disturbances for atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), quantum information processing and sensing, and other precision scientific, sensing, and communications applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Numerical modelling of impact seismic sources using the stress glut theory

SUMMARY Meteorite impacts have proved to be a significant source of seismic signal on the Moon, and have now been recorded on Mars by InSight seismometers. Understanding how impacts produce seismic signal is key to the interpretation of this unique data, and to improve their identification in continuous seismic records. Here, we use the seismic Representation Theorem, and particularly the stress glut theory, to model the seismic motion resulting from impact cratering. The source is described by equivalent forces, some resulting from the impactor momentum transfer, and others from the stress glut, which represents the mechanical effect of plasticity and non linear processes in the source region. We condense these equivalent forces into a point-source with a time-varying single force and nine-component moment tensor. This analytical representation bridges the gap between the complex dynamics of crater formation, and the linear point-source representation classically used in seismology. Using the multiphysics modelling software HOSS, we develop a method to compute the stress glut of an impact, and the associated point-source from hypervelocity impact simulations. For a vertical and an oblique impact at 1000 m s−1, we show that the moment tensor presents a significant deviatoric component. Hence, the source is not an ideal isotropic explosion contrary to previous assumptions, and draws closer to a double couple for the oblique impact. The contribution of the point force to the seismic signal appears negligible. We verify this model by comparing two signals: (1) HOSS is coupled to SPECFEM3D to propagate the near-source signal elastically to remote seismic stations; (2) the point-source model derived from the stress-glut theory is used to generate displacements at the same distance. The comparison shows that the point-source model is accurately simulating the low-frequency impact seismic waveform, and its seismic moment is in trend with Lunar and Martian impact data. High-frequencies discrepancies exist, which are partly related to finite-source effects, but might be further explained by the difference in mathematical framework between classical seismology and HOSS’ numerical modelling.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Machine learning for seismic low-frequency extrapolation

The cycle-skipping problem that plagues full waveform inversion (FWI) can be at least partially mitigated if low frequencies (which encode the kinematics of wave propagation in seismic data) are recorded. However, seismic sources and receivers are band-limited, so seismic data does not generally include signals down to 0 Hz. To improve our ability to solve the seismic inverse problem, one can synthesize this missing low-frequency (LF) content from the recorded high-frequency (HF) data using machine learning (ML) models. Deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) demonstrate impressive ability to perform low frequency extrapolation. However, such models require powerful hardware (GPU machines) and careful training. We assess the extrapolation capabilities of three different ML models that do not require GPU machines, namely, random forest, Gaussian process regression and gradient boosting, on both synthetic and real data. Experimental results on two synthetic data sets (generated from a low velocity lens embedded in a homogeneous medium, and the Marmousi model) demonstrate that FWI applied to the extrapolated data consistently improves inversion accuracy relative to FWI applied to the original data sets that do not contain low frequencies. Application of low-frequency extrapolation to real data from the Northwest Shelf of Australia demonstrates that tree-based ML models such as gradient boosting can outperform CNNs in terms of both accuracy and computational cost on non-GPU architectures.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

K-space algorithmic reconstruction (KAREN): a robust statistical methodology to separate Bragg and diffuse scattering

Diffuse scattering occurring in the Bragg diffraction pattern of a long-range-ordered structure represents local deviation from the governing regular lattice. However, interpreting the real-space structure from the diffraction pattern presents a significant challenge because of the dramatic difference in intensity between the Bragg and diffuse components of the total scattering function. In contrast to the sharp Bragg diffraction, the diffuse signal has generally been considered to be a weak expansive or continuous background signal. In this paper, using 1D and 2D models, it is demonstrated that diffuse scattering in fact consists of a complex array of high-frequency features that must not be averaged into a low-frequency background signal. To evaluate the actual diffuse scattering effectively, an algorithm has been developed that uses robust statistics and traditional signal processing techniques to identify Bragg peaks as signal outliers which can be removed from the overall scattering data and then replaced by statistically valid fill values. This method, described as a 'K-space algorithmic reconstruction' (KAREN), can identify Bragg reflections independent of prior knowledge of a system's unit cell. KAREN does not alter any data other than that in the immediate vicinity of the Bragg reflections, and reconstructs the diffuse component surrounding the Bragg peaks without introducing discontinuities which induce Fourier ripples or artifacts from underfilling `punched' voids. The KAREN algorithm for reconstructing diffuse scattering provides demonstrably better resolution than can be obtained from previously described punch-and-fill methods. The superior structural resolution obtained using the KAREN method is demonstrated by evaluating the complex ordered diffuse scattering observed from the neutron diffraction of a single plastic crystal of CBr 4 using pair distribution function analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Non-Conductor-Contact Surface Wave Reflectometry for Cable Insulation Damage Detection

Here, this paper presents a non-conductor-contact surface wave-based reflectometry technique to detect and locate missing or damaged insulation and/or jacket of electrical cables. The described sensor may be uniquely and practically implemented on live cables as a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method since it may be applied to the outer insulation/jacket of a cable and requires no direct contact to the conductor. The innovation lies in a high-frequency surface wave launcher that can introduce broadband signals in the GHz frequencies that insure maximum electromagnetic (EM) energy localization within the insulation and/or jacket material. By further processing the reflection data in the frequency domain, the location and severity of insulation damage is detected. Simulated results of thin, thick, short, and long cables show the results expected from small, medium, and large damage regions. For example, the detection of 40 mm-long damage region at 40 m distance on a 50 m long cable (2.44 cm diameter) is demonstrated. Experimental results are presented that validate simulation findings.

Non Destructive Evaluation↗

Simulated Feasibility of 3-D Lightning Mapping From Space

In addition to the awe it inspires, lightning can illuminate the microphysical processes hidden away within deep convection. The current generation of space-based lightning mapping uses mostly 2-D optical imaging to connect overall flash characteristics to their parent storm dynamics, but are missing a dimension’s worth of information. With lightning now classified as an essential climate variable, future spaceborne mappers will need improved capabilities to take advantage of the 3-D structure of lightning flashes to support meteorological and climate modeling. We report here on a study of the feasibility of high-resolution 3-D lightning mapping using a radio frequency (RF)-based network of satellites from low-Earth orbit (LEO). Lightning sources are simulated using existing lightning mapping array (LMA) tools, modified for orbital detection, and spatially reconstructed using a Levenberg–Marquardt geolocation algorithm to assess sources of uncertainty in these solutions. We analyze the benefits and limitations of this approach compared to existing orbital and ground-based methods. Results of this study show that lightning can be mapped in 3-D with a vertical location accuracy better than 2 km using as few as five satellites in LEO capable of measuring the time-of-arrival of impulsive RF signals in the very high-frequency (VHF) band. The consequence of this study is that high-resolution, spaceborne 3-D mapping of lightning is achievable across most of the globe, having crucial implications for our understanding of not only lightning, but also severe weather development, climate science, and more.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A Hybrid Transmitter With Voltage-Mode SST Preemphasis and Current-Mode Transmitter Equalization Capable of Operating at 77 K in DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) requires that the front-end transmitters operate at cryogenic temperature and drive 25–35 m long twin-axial (twinax) cables. Here, to compensate the frequency-dependent channel loss over the long cables and alleviate the de-emphasizing of the low-frequency signal magnitude, a hybrid of a current-mode (CM) transmitter equalization (TXEQ) and a voltage-mode (VM) preemphasis is proposed. The TXEQ employs a finite-impulse response (FIR) filter to boost the high-frequency components while de-emphasizing the low-frequency signal magnitude, thereby flattening the overall channel frequency response and reducing the intersymbol interference (ISI). The VM preemphasis is proposed to further mitigate ISI by boosting the high-frequency portion without degrading the signal magnitude, allowing for high signal swing. The main driver utilizes VM source-series-terminated (SST) output stages, which offers higher signal swing and better power efficiency than the conventional CM logic (CML) drivers. To ensure the lifetime and reliability at cryogenic temperature, the transmitter is implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process operating at 1.1 V of supply voltage and employing transistors with larger than minimum lengths. Silicon measurement results at 77 K have validated the proposed approaches.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

CROCUS High-Frequency Measurements of CO₂, H₂O, Wind, and Temperature at University of Illinois Chicago

As of April 9, 2026: this dataset is currently being versioned to include data up to March 31, 2026. Once the versioning process is complete, new data files will be available for access. The dataset metadata will also be updated to reflect the data availability of the new data being versioned. Raw atmospheric measurements collected at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) as part of the Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) project. The data includes high-frequency measurements of carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, water vapor (H₂O) concentration, wind speed (U, V, W components), temperature, and atmospheric pressure. These raw data are recorded by the LI-7500DS Open Path CO₂/H₂O Analyzer and a sonic anemometer at a 10 Hz acquisition frequency, providing the necessary inputs for calculating fluxes of CO₂, H₂O, heat, and momentum. In addition to gas concentration measurements, the dataset includes diagnostic information from the instruments, including absorptance, sample and reference signals, and diagnostic values. The data were collected to study urban atmospheric conditions and contribute to flux calculations for urban climate research. These measurements form the basis for calculating 30-minute average fluxes of key atmospheric variables using the eddy covariance method. This dataset provides critical raw input data for researchers interested in atmospheric fluxes, urban air quality, and the interaction between the urban environment and atmospheric processes. The data is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, under the CROCUS Urban Integrated Field Laboratory (UIFL) project.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

STILGAR End-of-Project Report

The Subsurface Tunnel Imaging LeveraGed by Analysis of Rayleigh wave ellipticity (STILGAR) project demonstrated an integrated geophysical approach for detecting, locating, and characterizing underground structural changes using dense seismic arrays and advanced inversion techniques. Field campaigns were conducted at two operational mines—the Redmond salt mine (Utah) and Graymont Pleasant Gap limestone mine (Pennsylvania)—providing real-world testbeds for monitoring anthropogenic subsurface activity. At the Redmond salt mine, seismic interferometry combined with back-projection inversion successfully identified continuous, low-amplitude signals from mining operations. The approach differentiated stationary from migrating anthropogenic sources, captured daily operational cycles, and validated the potential of passive seismic monitoring for remote detection of underground activity. At the Graymont Pleasant Gap mine, two dense seismic deployments in the spring and fall of 2023 generated over 4 TB of high-resolution data. Key outcomes included the relocation of 199 underground and 8 surface explosions with accuracies within tens of meters and the development of a 3D P-wave velocity model using the triple-difference tomography algorithm (tomoTD) that resolved major structural features such as the mine entrance, low-velocity tunnels, and roof-collapse areas. Ambient noise cross-correlation and back-projection analyses revealed persistent sources linked to ongoing mining activity, whereas horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) and ellipticity studies confirmed stable site responses across seasons and identified soil thickness trends consistent with regional erosional and depositional processes. Checkerboard and sensitivity tests further validated the robustness of the tomographic results. Overall, the findings emphasize that although significant progress has been made in subsurface imaging, further work is needed to enhance the detection and localization of underground structures. Accurate imaging requires higher frequencies, yet anthropogenic sources tend to dominate the seismic record at those frequencies, and high-frequency surface waves are affected by higher modes that complicate interpretation. The improved detection and localization of human-induced signals enabled detailed temporal and spatial mapping of daily mine operations, demonstrating the feasibility of continuous anthropogenic source monitoring. Sensitivity to signals from nontraditional sources, such as fan operations, highlights the broader applicability of this approach to other industrial environments in which continuous and impulsive signals are present. The field campaigns produced a substantial volume of high-quality seismic data, supporting the development and testing of new methods for seismic source characterization and subsurface imaging. Future deployments should include sensors capable of recording lower frequencies to probe deeper structures, increase bandwidth to enhance resolution and sensitivity to both shallow and deep targets, and collect additional large-scale datasets to refine imaging and source characterization techniques. Moreover, conducting 3D modeling studies of seismic wavefields at higher frequencies will provide a better understanding of wave scattering and cavity–wavefield interactions in complex underground environments. In conclusion, the STILGAR project demonstrated that integrated seismic monitoring can effectively characterize underground operations, capturing both natural and anthropogenic signals. The approaches developed provide a foundation for improved detection, localization, and imaging of subsurface structures and are directly transferable to broader industrial monitoring applications.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗