Wide-Angle Acoustic Beam Steering with Arrays of PiezoCrystal Tonpilz Transducers Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-111 Topic Title: Wide-Angle Acoustic Beam Steering with Arrays of PiezoCrystal Tonpilz Transducers Proposal No.: N142-111-0641 Firm: Image Acoustics, Inc. 97 Elm Street Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025 Contact: John Butler Phone: (781) 383-2002 Web Site: imageacoustics.com Abstract: This SBIR Phase I Proposal addresses the need for a wide-angle beam steering array with piezoelectric single crystal Tonpilz transducers. The objective is to design, build and test a sub-array of piezoelectric single crystal Tonpilz SONAR transducers that can be steered over large angles with high directivity and low side lobe levels. These objectives will be accomplished through not only experimental but also theoretical means. Critical issues to be addressed include: element uniformity in large-scale production, array mounting structure that prevents element-to-element crosstalk, and minimizing the effect of coupling of elements through the medium itself. In this proposal we discuss these critical issues and will investigate possible means for minimizing adverse effects on array performance. In addition to analytical analysis and array interaction programs, finite element modeling will also be used in conjunction with the fabrication and evaluation of a sub-array of Tonpilz single crystal transducer elements. Benefits: Single crystal arrays with lower side lobe levels, even at high steering angles. Improved sea-floor navigation and discovery as well as medical ultrasonic scanning. Return