SBIR-STTR Award

This SBIR will address the modeling, fabrication, and testing of single crystal tonpilz-type power transducers. In collaboration with TRS Ceramics, Inc., single crystal PZN-4.5% PT piezoelectric will be integrated into the tonpilz power transducer, providing ultra high electromechanical coupling (up to 90%), high dielectric constant (up to 5500), high mechanical Q factor (up to 360), low dielectric loss (0.002) and high strain level (up to 0.5%). A direct comparison between an optimally designed single crystal PZN-4.5% PT tonpilz power transducer and an optimally designed PZT tonpilz power transducer will be made to demonstrate the performance enhancement. This phase I research will provide a basis for further transducer optimization and cost effective manufacturing of an optimally designed transducer array in Phase II. A Phase I option for modeling, construction, and testing of a sonar array element will enhance the development of the Phase II proposal.