A miniature vector sensor for line array applications

Until recently it was not possible to design a miniature vector sensor for line array applications which met the Navy´s size and performance requirements. A vector sensor constructed using conventional PZT ceramic would result in a sensor that was too large for the existing line array space requirements and would not simultaneously achieve the bandwidth and noise requirements. The advent of PMN-PT crystals now allows a vector sensor to be constructed which meets both the Navy´s size and acoustic performance requirements. A vector sensor is discussed which utilized three PMN-PT crystal based axial accelerometers, a PZT omni-directional hydrophone, and a 4-channel amplifier. The excellent piezoelectric properties of the PMN-PT crystals allowed the vector sensor to be miniaturized and tests conducted on the vector sensor demonstrates that the sensor met the Navy´s required sensitivity, and bandwidth.