Abstract: So far, few of means are available for efficient advance exploration in dead ends in coal mines. The conventional advance drilling is time-and Laborconsuming and low efficient, and prone to cause water inrush. Rayleigh wave prospecting is a new geophysical method which uses Rayleigh waves as effective waves for seismic prospecting from zero to tens of meters. Its line length-penetration depth ratio can be as high as 1:20, that is 1 to 2 meter line length configuration can provide a penetration depth of 30 to 40 meters. So, it fully meets the requirements for advance detection in dead ends. This method originally designed to surface use has been moved in underground mines, and proved successfull for detecting faults, goafs and washouts. No doubt, it is a brand-new geophysical method for advance detection in dead ends in coal mines, and will play an important role in safe excavation and coal production.