The Development of a Shear Mode Vector Sensor with Array COmmunication Electronics

The objective for this Phase II work is to capitalize on the materials and miniaturization progress made in Phase I of this project and couple that with the past experiences of WR in designing vector sensors to develop an improved vector sensor for towedarray applications. The shear mode of PMN-PT crystals will be investigated to achieve a vector sensor with a noise floor which is 6 dB lower than what has been achieved using the flexural mode of the crystal. In addition, existing array telemetryelectronics will be modified to create a four channel data acquisition and communications module for processing the vector's output signals and converting them to the TAIPT communication protocol. A low noise vector sensor with build in arraycommunications can be rapidly integrated into existing Naval towed array applications. A vector sensor will provide directional information on target noise sources unlike existing omin-directional hydrophones. The vector sensor could also be used in hullmounted and sono--buoy applications as well. In addition to Naval applications the vector sensor could be used for Homeland Security applications, specifically, harbor and port defense. An array of vector sensors could be placed at choke points toidentify potentially hostile crafts. Lastly, the vector sensor could be used to aid in Oil and Gas exploration. The sensors directional qualities could be used to more precisely pinpoint the location of potential drilling sites.