The renaissance of optical technology as a result of the development of coherent optics and optical fibres has led to a new class of transducers based upon the microphonic nature of optical fibres. Prominent among these sensors is the optical fibre hydrophone. Meanwhile, less radical approaches to the drawbacks of conventional piezoelectric hydrophones, involving a better understanding of materials behaviour, have resulted in the development of a variety of composite materials formulations. New fabrication techniques have provided the means for new configurations using conventional materials, thus reducing constraints in the design of transducers. Recent developments in these areas are described in this chapter together with some discussion on techniques and applications.
New underwater acoustic sensors, Page 1 of 2
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