At our lab we are currently exploring and developing new underwater acoustic transducers of two types: (i) based on piezoelectric polymers (PVDF); and (ii) spiral acoustic sources. The piezoelectric polymers are being explored due to their broadband characteristics which allows to overcome the narrowband limitations piezoelectric ceramics which is a key factor for high bitrate underwater communications. The spiral acoustic sources are being explored due to their capability of transmitting the source direction which allows for a single hydrophone to determine the direction and distance to the acoustic source. After the initial demonstrations of the previous transducers feasibility the future work will also address the application of those transducers to underwater applications and new instruments development as broadband underwater acoustic modems and spiral sonars. In addition, at the lab this team is also working in the future smart fiber optic cables which will bring new capabilities for the underwater fiber optic cables which are currently used for intercontinental communications.
