Focusing of a wave beam in an underwater sound channel

The use of a vertical radiating antenna array for generation of a wave beam propagating in an underwater sound channel along the reference ray trajectory is discussed. The method for selecting the starting field in the antenna aperture for maximum compression of a beam in the specified vicinity of the reference ray is proposed. The estimates showing up to what distances a beam can propagate while remaining narrow as compared to the range of depths between the rotation horizons have been obtained. The problem concerning the distances from the antenna array at which a beam can still be effectively focused in the vicinity of the selected reference ray point is investigated.