USA flag logo/image

An Official Website of the United States Government

Acoustic Pressure Gradient Imager For Divers

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Special Operations Command 		Award ID:
26607 		Program Year/Program:
1994 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
26607 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Empirical Technologies Corporation
P.O. Box 8175 Charlottesville, VA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 1994
Title: Acoustic Pressure Gradient Imager For Divers
Agency / Branch: DOD / SOCOM
Contract: N/A
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

The contractor has patented technology for a unique process that directly converts a two-dimensional acoustic disturbance, such as a wave front, into an intensity-mapped visible image in real-time without electronic circuitry; that is, it is a direct pressure gradient imager. The imager relies on the piezo-dichroic properties of a continuous layer of a dichroic material thin film that serves as both the sensor and the display. The image can be viewed directly or remotely by using a CCD camera. Pressure waves established by an acoustic transducer and reflected by the target, as well as the background bottom, can be converted into a visible image for target identification by a diver using the hand held device. The phenomenon used allows sensitivity levels of 10 -14 W sec/cm. In Phase I the contractor will investigate the engineering specifications applicable to the design of a small, hand held, real-time, acoustic imager for conditions of limited optical visibility. A brassboard model will be produced for the later prototype versions anticipated in Phase II. This concept of a fully acoustic imager for use as a remote mine locator would allow the viewing of mines submerged in low or zero visibility water.

Principal Investigator:

David W. Gerdt, Phd
8042967000

Business Contact:

Small Business Information at Submission:

Imaging Science Technologies
P.o. Box 8175 Charlottesville, VA 22906

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No