Low Cost Manufacturing of Vector Velocity Sensors

Towed array vector sensors are important for US submarine capability in terms of reducing the left right ambiguity. Current towed array vector sensors use particle velocity sensors or accelerometers combined with hydrophones to achieve this performance. Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystals are used for their high sensitivity. TRS Technologies is a leading manufacturer of PMN-PT piezoelectric single crystals. In the Phase I Base program, TRS Technologies demonstrated various manufacturing methodologies to achieve cost effective fabrication of single crystals for vector velocity sensors that are applicable to other similar naval devices. In Phase II, TRS will develop single crystal based sensor modules, substructures or finished components for the vector sensor device. TRS has currently extensive knowledge for fabrication and assembly of single crystal actuators and transducer devices and combined with the automation expertise that will be added through this program, we will significantly reduce the cost of vector sensors to the US Navy.