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Acoustic Pressure Gradient Imager For Divers
Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Special Operations Command
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 26607
Amount:
$100,000.00
Phase:
Phase I
Program:
SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A
Solicitation Number:
N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year:
N/A
Award Year:
1994
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date):
N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date):
N/A
Small Business Information
P.o. Box 8175, Charlottesville, VA, 22906
DUNS:
N/A
HUBZone Owned:
N
Woman Owned:
N
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged:
N
Principal Investigator
Name: David W. Gerdt, Phd
Phone: (804) 296-7000
Phone: (804) 296-7000
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
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. * Information listed above is at the time of submission. *