Naval Device Applications of Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals

The overall intent of this project is to develop a series of miniature vector sensors for statically deployed and towed array applications. In each of these applications the sensor will be required to have an operational bandwidth commensurate with the passive ASW frequency range and an electronic noise floor below sea-state zero. In that regard, the Phase I study comprises of an evaluation to (1) determine which type of pressure-gradient hydrophone (i.e., either inertial or diffraction) is best suited for the application and (2) which single crystal transduction mode (i.e., extension or shear) is best suited for miniaturization. These tasks will be accomplished using analytical and numerical models along with proof-of-principle experiments. At the conclusion of Phase I a pre-prototype miniature biaxial vector sensor, suitable for submarine thin-line towed array applications, will be fabricated and tested. During Phase II, several application-specific miniature vector sensors will be fabricated and tested in laboratory and field environments to ascertain their performance under conditions that are consistent with those encountered in situ. The sensors developed during Phase II will contain integrated electronics.