The ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical model is an effective seismic simulation method for on-site seismic exploration. According to a certain simulation similarity ratio, the geological model of the field geological structure is constructed in the laboratory. The experiment of seismic physical model imaging has been widely used in oil and gas exploration, such as studying the basic regularity of wave propagation and the seismic response of typical geological structures, optimizing field observation systems and exploration methods, and verifying propagation theory and mathematical calculation methods. Because the ultrasonic signal transmitted in complex models is usually weak, it is necessary to employ a high-performance ultrasonic transducer to collect the echo signals. The traditional detection method usually adopts Piezoelectric Transducers (PZTs). The mechanical resonance of PZT determines its narrow-frequency response characteristics. In addition, in the application of array sensing, PZT has difficulties in signal demodulation and is also easy to be disturbed by electromagnetic environment.In comparison, fiber-optic ultrasonic sensor can avoid most of the shortcomings of PZT. Fiber sensors have the advantages of small size, high sensitivity, wide-frequency response, anti-electromagnetic interference, etc. Therefore, the research on new fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors has very important technological significance and application value. At present, the development trend of fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors mainly focuses on high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, broadband response and other characteristics. The basic principle of fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors is the interaction between ultrasonic wave and optical fiber, causing changes in the intensity, phase, wavelength, polarization state of optical fiber transmission and reflection light. The ultrasonic information is obtained by demodulating the small changes in the above optical parameters. The demodulation methods include phase demodulation, intensity demodulation, and optical frequency demodulation. Meanwhile, preparing new optical fiber ultrasonic sensing devices in terms of materials and processes, the signal-to-noise ratio of fiber-optic ultrasonic sensing can be further improved by integrating photoelectric conversion, electrical signal amplification, signal filtering, and other technologies into the signal demodulation system.For ultrasonic echo acquisition, fiber-optic sensors have shown obvious advantages. For the excitation of ultrasonic wave source, laser ultrasound gradually emerges in ultrasonic detection. Compared with the traditional PZT, laser ultrasonic technology can excite the ultrasonic field on the surface of objects with different scales and shapes. The excited ultrasonic wave has the characteristics of wide-frequency band, multi-mode waves, high intensity and non-contact. The nanosecond pulse laser is irradiated on the photoacoustic functional material with high absorption, and the material absorbs heat to produce periodic expansion and contraction, thus generating ultrasonic waves. Based on the photoacoustic effect, a series of photoacoustic functional materials, such as noble metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and organic nanoparticles, have shown efficient photoacoustic properties. However, almost all photoacoustic functional materials are designed for biomedical applications. These photoacoustic materials need to have low toxicity, immunogenicity, high target affinity and specificity, and high biocompatibility. Coated on the surface of seismic physical models, the photoacoustic functional material can replace the conventional PZT emission source to achieve high-quality ultrasonic excitation. The material is required to have the characteristics of wide-band absorption, high thermoacoustic conversion efficiency, high laser damage threshold, low cost, easy extension in a large area, etc. Therefore, in order to meet the needs of ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models, it is necessary to further develop efficient photoacoustic functional materials and laser excitation technology.The two technologies of high-quality laser ultrasonic excitation and high-performance fiber-optic ultrasonic sensing can be combined to realize high-intensity excitation and high-fidelity sensing of broadband ultrasonic waves. All-optical pulse-echo imaging of seismic physical models can accurately extract the internal structure information of seismic physical models. In 1990, the French Petroleum Research Institute, a world-famous comprehensive oil, natural gas and chemical research institute, took the lead in proposing the optical ultrasonic imaging technology for seismic physical models. Pulsed laser was used to generate ultrasonic waves. Laser interferometer was employed to detect the vibration and sound signals in the models. Seismic physical models are made of resin, silicone rubber, paraffin, gypsum and other materials with weak photoacoustic properties. When the pulse laser is directly irradiated on the model, it is difficult to generate high-intensity ultrasonic waves and the receiving end adopts laser interferometer. However, laser interferometer have the disadvantages of high price, low sensitivity and inconvenient use. Therefore, there have been few reports on all-optical ultrasonic imaging technology of seismic physical models in recent years. For the in-lab detection of seismic physical models, the fiber characteristics of flexibility and multifunction make all-fiber ultrasonic imaging more and more concerned.Throughout the development of fiber-optic technology in recent decades, fiber-optic acoustic sensors have made great breakthroughs in materials, structures and fabrication. Some have been successfully applied to industrial nondestructive testing, marine seismic exploration, and other fields. This paper mainly summarizes the sensing mechanism and development status of several typical fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors, such as fiber interference type and fiber Bragg grating type. The state-of-the-art of electroacoustic transducer, fiber-optic ultrasonic sensor and laser ultrasonic technology in ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical model are comparatively shown, and the existing scientific and technological problems and challenges are also deeply analyzed. By comprehensively discussing the new development of ultrasonic imaging research in seismic physical models, this paper reveals the new trends and opportunities of in-lab simulation technology, so as to improve the exploration ability and informatization level of oil and gas resources in China.