Anti-Submarine Wake-Activated Sensors

A sensor/communications package is designed that can sense the physical presence of a submerged submarine at very short range, and that can be manufactured cheaply enough to enable very high density seeding of anti-submarine barriers using environmentallybenign materials. The method is based on specially designed biodegradable composite sensor particles activated by the submarine propulsor wake turbulence. These sensors are small nano or micron sized with wake induced luminescent signal emitters andtailored life. The sensor material is sown in a barrier field from air or surface craft. Sensor detectability is achieved by secondary remote sensor technology from satellite, or air and surface craft. Conceptual designs are developed as well asevaluation of the functionality of the detection and communications system. The design will include a communications and data processing unit for monitoring the sensors in the water. An automated sensor manufacturing process is designed capable ofproducing 100,000 units per year and a complete manufacturing analysis is done including a detailed per-unit cost breakdown, in order to allow evaluation of the affordability of the sensors. Current naval doctrine calls for non-acoustic means of detectionto augment current search methods in shallow water and coastal areas. This innovative method consists of the collective signature of a large, dense field of sensors and will provide for detection and tracking of submarines in otherwise difficult areas.These sensors are also very low cost, easy to manufacture, and substantially biodegradable in order to avoid damaging the marine ecosystem. Non-DOD uses for this material are readily apparent in the homeland security area for surveillance operations incoastal and harbor areas. It is anticipated that this technology will be adapted by other Federal agencies, such as the Coast Guard that have responsibility for security in U.S. contiguous waters. This technology can also be used for tracking underwatervehicles and surface ships by other law enforcement agencies and commercial interests. The technology can also be used for marine biological and environmental sensing, and for military monitoring shallow water zones for swimmer and small craft operations.