Abstract: An electrical energy generator relying upon piezoelectricity includes electrical generating elements comprising electroded bodies of an electrostrictive material, e.g., polyurethane, having inherent but weak piezoelectric characteristics. A d.c. bias is applied between the electrodes for field-inducing a larger piezoelectric characteristic whereby, upon applying mechanical energy to the element, in known manner, for alternately straining and destraining the body, electrical charge is generated on the electrodes with a high mechanical energy to electrical energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method of forming an ultrasound transducer having thermoformed protuberances comprises providing a substrate having a plurality of perforations of a given dimension. The perforations or apertures are formed in the substrate and operate to determine the resonance frequency associated with the transducer. A film of polymeric material capable of showing piezoelectric properties when strained in its plane and electrically biassed by a field applied in a direction normal to its faces, is then laminated onto the substrate. The film is heated to a given temperature and a pressure differential is applied between the top and bottom surfaces of the film for a sufficient time to form protuberances in the film through the apertures in the substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a multilayered piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic actuator by sintering process at low temperature, making feasible a high quality image and high speed printing, as large displacement and high speed actuation are feasible because it can get greater displacement and driving speed, even with small variation in driving voltage, because of piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer and upper electrode being alternately heaped to produce a multilayer structure.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator is made by forming piezoelectric/electrostrictive film using a mixture of the polyvinylidene fluoride, excellent in moldability and a ceramic powder, excellent in piezoelectricity. The powder has basic composition elements of lead titanium with a particle size below 5 &mgr;m, made by a nonexplosive oxidative-reductive combustion reaction at a relatively low temperature of 100-500° C. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator may be modulated in mechanical strength and linkability between particles by using an improved colloid process which can achieve low energy consumption and low cost, because the low temperature process is simplified by using ceramic powder calcined at low temperatures.

Abstract: A method of forming an ultrasound transducer having thermoformed protuberances comprises providing a substrate having a plurality of perforations of a given dimension. The perforations or apertures are formed in the substrate and operate to determine the resonance frequency associated with the transducer. A film of polymeric material capable of showing piezoelectric properties when strained in its plane and electrically biassed by a field applied in a direction normal to its faces, is then laminated onto the substrate. The film is heated to a given temperature and a pressure differential is applied between the top and bottom surfaces of the film for a sufficient time to form protuberances in the film through the apertures in the substrate.

Abstract: An interchangeable vessel having a substance therein where the vessel is constructed to be inserted into a larger apparatus so that the apparatus may use the substance therein, the interchangeable vessel comprising a tank formed of acoustically conductive material and a piezo electric film element affixed to the outer surface of the vessel where the piezo electric film element includes electrical contacts interconnected to an active signal electrode and a ground electrode that are formed as part of the piezo electric film level sensor where the contact pads are constructed to be electrically coupled with electronics contained within the apparatus for driving the piezo electric element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for actively controlling the shape of a sheet of electroactive material; the system comprising: one or more electrodes attached to the frontside of the electroactive sheet; a charged particle generator, disposed so as to direct a beam of charged particles (e.g. electrons) onto the electrode; a conductive substrate attached to the backside of the sheet; and a power supply electrically connected to the conductive substrate; whereby the sheet changes its shape in response to an electric field created across the sheet by an accumulation of electric charge within the electrode(s), relative to a potential applied to the conductive substrate. Use of multiple electrodes distributed across on the frontside ensures a uniform distribution of the charge with a single point of e-beam incidence, thereby greatly simplifying the beam scanning algorithm and raster control electronics, and reducing the problems associated with “blooming”.

Abstract: Two kinds of pressure sensors using a piezoelectric composite comprising amorphous chlorinated polyethylene, crystalline chlorinated polyethylene and piezoelectric ceramic powder are disclosed. The first is a piezoelectric cable comprising an inner conductor of a metal helix, the volume within the metal helix is filled with fine insulating polymer fibers, a piezoelectric composite layer circumferentially surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor of a metal film attached on a polymer membrane. The metal film is in contact with said composite layer but separated from the inner conductor and a protective jacket. The second type of pressure sensor is a planar sensor comprising a piezoelectric composite in a planar form sandwiched with conductors of two metal films attached on two polymer membranes, each metal film is in contact with the composite but separated from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of actuators having an active member including a polymer having a surface, an electrolyte coupled to the surface, and an electrolyte are provided. Actuators which, when an electrical potential is applied across the electrolyte between the active member and the counter electrode, exert force per unit area of at least 10 MPa are described. Particular designs utilizing stretch aligned conducting polymers as active members are discussed.

Abstract: A transducer apparatus is disclosed including a spool member having a body portion and first and second elevated regions formed on the body portion. A piezoelectric film such as a PVDF film surrounds the spool member and is spaced apart from the body portion of the spool member by an elevation of the elevated region, thereby forming a predetermined gap between the piezoelectric film and the body portion of the spool member. The predetermined gap is at least 0.1 mm and enables a predetermined resonance frequency in the piezoelectric film to control the resonance frequency of the transducer. Opposite lateral ends of the piezoelectric film are secured together such that secured ends of the piezoelectric film have substantially the same resonance frequency as a remainder of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A monolithic piezoelectric actuator is made of a stoichiometric PZT ceramic (2) with low A-site doping, and electrode layers (1) containing silver and palladium. It exhibits an improved mechanical strength with good piezoelectric properties. The production process leads to optimum grain sizes and optimum piezoelectric properties irrespective of any B-site doping in the ceramic. Multilayer piezoelectric actuators with high application temperatures up to 150° C. can be obtained.

Abstract: Providing a mechanism which can eliminate an influence of residual strain in a piezoelectric thin film, having excellent piezoelectric strain characteristics. No or few foreign substances exist or an abundance of foreign substances is low at grain boundaries, which are boundaries between crystal grains of the piezoelectric thin film, even after performing polarization processing (poling) on the piezoelectric thin film component. The width of the grain boundary is 5 nm or less. The crystal grain boundary is a discontinuous layer which does not continue the orientation of adjacent crystal grains.

Abstract: A miniature piezoelectric transducer element is provided, comprising; (a) a cell element having a cavity; (b) a flexible piezoelectric layer attached to the cell member, the piezoelectric layer having an external surface and an internal surface, the piezoelectric layer featuring such dimensions so as to enable fluctuations thereof at its resonance frequency upon impinging of an external acoustic wave; and (c) a first electrode attached to the external surface and a second electrode attached to the internal surface of the piezoelectric layer. At least one of the electrodes may be specifically shaped so as to provide a maximal electrical output, wherein the electrical output may be current, voltage or power. A preferred shape of the electrodes includes two cores interconnected by a connecting member. The transducer element may function as a transmitter.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing residual charged particles from a charge retentive surface characterized by a self-biasing electrostatic cleaner brush and a flicker bar. The brush includes fibers made of a bi-layer of PVDF films; one of which is PVDF covered over a conductive core. Upon bending in one direction, the fiber will generate an electrical potential which will attract and hold oppositely charged toner, which will then be released when the fiber is flexed by the flicker bar in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A polyurethane elastomer actuator comprising a polyurethane elastomer 1 capable of deforming due to the orientation by an electric field, wherein the shrinkage displacement occurring at the time of the application of an electric field is transformed into other displacement. This polyurethane elastomer actuator does not require electrolyte and high voltage. Since it is not accompanied by chemical reactions and heat generation, its durability hardly deteriorates. This actuator deforms largely during driving.

Abstract: A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared. This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors, in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches, adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors, weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 100.degree. C.

Abstract: An extremely flexible piezoelectric pickup for stringed instruments is formed of a flat shielded conductor with a plurality of spaced piezo crystals embedded between the conductor and its shield. Its width is less than 0.090 inches, its height between piezo crystals is less than 0.020 inches and at the crystals is less than 0.050 so that the location of each crystal is clearly visible and can be accurately positioned on an instrument.

Abstract: A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared. This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors, in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches, adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors, weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 100.degree. C.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer (10) comprises a flexible transmitter (18), a flexible receiver array (22), and flexible electrodes (14), (16), (20), for the transmitter and receiver. The elements of the transducer are arranged such that the transducer may be flexed for conformity with surfaces of test specimens of a variety of non-planar configurations.

Abstract: A composite sensor includes at least one layer comprising a piezoelectric material such as a molecularly poled polymer material or a ceramic material having disposed therebetween a material which enhances the piezoelectric properties of the piezoelectric material. One pair of edges of said composite sensor are constrained from expanding in response to a force applied to the sensor.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pyroelectric mixture, especially for pyroelectric and piezoelectric components. At least two compounds are mixed in a prescribed ratio. One compound contains polymerizable and preferably achiral liquid-crystal monomers and the other a preferably achiral liquid-crystal polymer or copolymer. Each compound also contains hydrogen-bridging substituents. The mixture is heated to above its specific vitrification point. An electric field is applied to polymerize the monomer and polarize the mixture. The mixture is cooled to below its specific glass transition point with the field still present.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin-film device is disclosed which comprises: a piezoelectric film of a polycrystalline material; and two electrodes, the piezoelectric film being sandwiched between the two electrodes, wherein the piezoelectric film comprises a three-component PZT containing 5% by mole or more of a third component and having a thickness of not more than 5 .mu.m, and the deviation of Pb content of the piezoelectric film in the thicknesswise direction thereof is within .+-.5%. The piezoelectric thin-film device has good properties, and the use of the piezoelectric thin-film device realizes miniaturization and increase in resolution of a head for ink jet recording. Further, the piezoelectric device has an additional advantage that an ink can be ejected at a high pressure and, further, driving at a high frequency is possible.

Abstract: A flat seal having a first and a second sealing surface made of polymer material is disclosed. Each of the polymer sealing surfaces is made of a formed-fabric-reinforced cover layer. At least two of these cover layers together provide a flexible, electrical printed-circuit board, whose material completely surrounds electrical interconnect traces in the sealing areas. The interconnect traces are provided with connecting conductors, which are brought with terminal pads out of the printed-circuit board. The material of the cover layers has an electrical resistance of at least 10.sup.8 ohm and provides insulation for the interconnect traces.

Abstract: An illuminated switch assembly employs a piezoelectric film as both a transducer and a circuit substrate. Preferably some or all of the transducer portion of the film is light transmissive in order to facilitate illumination of the activation surface of the switch. Use of a piezoelectric film provides the ability to reduce or eliminate relatively moving parts, resulting in an increase of the useful life of the switch. Providing conductive traces, interconnection and circuitry mounted directly on the piezoelectric film reduces the need for interconnecting a number of different parts during assembly and/or manufacture and thus reduces the cost of the switch.

Abstract: A retractable sensor array system is used to provide a large aperture sen array, such as a sonar array, that receives acoustic energy in a deployment medium. The retractable sensor array system includes one or more sensor array sheets having one or more sensors and a sensor array positioning mechanism for deploying and retracting the sensor array sheet from a platform, such as a ship, submarine, aircraft, space vehicle or medical device. The sensor array positioning mechanism preferably includes a motor that automatically and selectively deploys and retracts the one or more sensor array sheets by rolling and unrolling the sensor array sheets. The retractable sensor array system allows the one or more sensor array sheets to be deployed from various locations on a platform and also in various directions from the platform depending upon the desired usage, platform orientation, position and deployment medium conditions.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor wherein flexible conduit means is assembled with a fixture having a strain-sensitive film and electrical connections are made to the film whereby variations in fluid pressure in the conduit means can be detected.

Abstract: A bone inducing material comprising a piezoelectric porous membrane having through-holes of an average pore size of about 0.1 to 5 .mu.m is disclosed. When the bone inducing material according to the present invention is used, bone is rapidly regenerated, and new formation of bone occurs. The bone inducing material is particularly useful in the dental field, for example, for treatment of periodontal diseases by GTR method.

Abstract: A power supply for transmitting voltage to a device, including a web having a piezoelectric exterior layer for generating a voltage on the surface thereof in response to being deformed. The web is entrained about a roller arrangement to deform the piezoelectric exterior layer. Commutation brushes transfers the voltage generated on the surface of the piezoelectric exterior layer to the device. The roller arrangement in combination with the placement of commutation brushes and neutralization brushes are used to adjust the voltage to the device.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly which comprises multiple layers of piezoelectric polymer material on an acousto-reflective support member. The inner layer closest to the support member is excited at a fixed frequency and the overall thickness of the multiple layers is about one quarter of the wavelength of the wave of fixed frequency within the layers. In a variation of this structure, the inner layer is subdivided into a plurality of thin layers which are excited with alternating polarities.

Abstract: A vehicle speed monitoring system has a pair of parallel piezoelectric sensors or pressure transducers carried in closely spaced relation by a common elastomeric carrier such that the distance D between the sensors is maintained constant. A time measuring circuit connected to the sensors measures the time between peak voltages induced in the piezoelectric sensor transducers which is used to calculate and display vehicle speed. A weight is secured to or embedded in the carrier to cause the carrier to hug the roadway and be immune to lifting because of air currents and turbulence.

Abstract: Disposed within a float on the surface of a body of water is a vertically suspended, resilient piezoelectric element provided with a preselected strain by a hanging weight. The piezoelectric system functions as a weighted coiled spring which is driven into oscillation in response to movements of the float in response to passing surface waves. Preferably, the natural frequency of the system is selected in correspondence with the frequency of the passing waves for causing the system to oscillate in resonance with the passing waves. Additionally, a mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the natural frequency of the system in response to changing wave conditions for maintaining the system in resonance with the waves.

Abstract: A composite hydrophone array assembly is made from a compliant mandrel such s a hollow tube and at least one wrap of piezoelectric film adhered to the compliant hollow tube at a plurality of locations thereon. Each location defines a composite hydrophone channel. The centers of adjacent hydrophone channels are separated along the length of the compliant hollow tube. To shade a hydrophone channel, the wall thickness of the hollow tube can be varied along its length, the circumferential area of coverage of the wraps of piezoelectric film can be varied along their length, the longitudinal lengths of the wraps of piezoelectric film are varied, or a combination of these approaches can be used. Unwanted noise is rejected by eliminating hydrophone channel grating lobes and overlapping portions of the wraps of piezoelectric film of the adjacent hydrophone channels to create a wavenumber response for the composite hydrophone array that significantly reduces array grating lobes.

Abstract: A known type of piezoelectric power generating system for converting the mechanical energy of waves on a body of water comprises a float and a piezoelectric power generating element suspended, under tension, between the float and a bottom anchor. For preventing excessive vertical stretching of the piezoelectric element in response to the presence of excessively high waves, a protective element is coupled between the float and the bottom anchor for effectively limiting the rise of the float above a preselected height corresponding to the maximum straining desired for the piezoelectric element. The coupling is automatic and occurs only at those instances when the piezoelectric element elongation is approaching its maximum amount, and automatic decoupling occurs immediately upon the float falling to a height where non-excessive straining occurs.

Abstract: An acoustic antenna includes at least one surface sensor formed by a stack of conducting materials and dielectric layers of piezo-electric material enclosed in a sheathing of flexible material. The assembly forms a flat panel 2 mounted against the hull 5 of a navel vessel and takes the shape of the hull. The mounting of the panel on the hull is achieved by two streamlined edging sections 3, 4 while leaving an intermediate water layer 6 remaining between the panel 2 and the hull 5. The sheathing includes an envelope of flexible material filled with a visco-elastic lining material and the piezo-electric material of the dielectric layers of the sensor is preferably a polyvinylidene fluoride film.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for a proximity sensor which comprises an elongated polymer piezoelectric film (16). The film is supported as an elongated series of arcuate segments which are curved in the same direction and have the same radius of curvature. Electrodes (18) on both sides of the piezoelectric film form opposed pairs, each pair being associated with a respective arcuate segment. The electrodes are utilized for applying a varying electric field across the thickness of the film to cause an ultrasonic acoustic wave to be radiated from the film.

Abstract: An ultrasonic proximity sensor particularly suited for outdoor environments having a transducer including a polymer piezoelectric film bonded to a protective metal layer. The transducer is mounted in the sensor housing so that the protective metal layer is exposed to the environment through a window of the sensor housing. The transducer can be implemented as an asymmetric bimorph structure, having an electrode bonded to a surface of the polymer piezoelectric film opposite the protective metal layer and between support members. Deformation of the polymer piezoelectric film between the protective metal layer and the electrode occurs upon application of a voltage thereto, generating an ultrasonic wave. The transducer can also be used as a receiver, generating an output voltage from the electrode upon impingement of an ultrasonic wave upon the protective metal layer.

Abstract: An imaging device having a non-rigid member with a charge retentive surface moving along an endless path, an imaging system for creating a latent image on the charge retentive surface, a developer for imagewise developing the latent image with toner, a transfer system for electrostatically transferring the developed toner image to a copy sheet, and a resonator for enhancing toner release from the charge retentive surface, producing relatively high frequency vibratory energy and having a portion thereof adapted for contact across the flexible belt member, generally transverse to the direction of movement thereof, the resonator includes a horn member for applying the high frequency vibratory energy to the non-rigid member, having a platform portion, a horn portion, and a contacting portion and extending across the non-rigid member.

Abstract: A short distance ultrasonic distance meter is disclosed with provisions to reduce the ill-effects of ringing when measurements are of obstacles closer than about ten inches. In one embodiment an opposite phase ultrasonic wave is introduced by a circuit (245) and in another embodiment a strain sensor (232) introduces negative feedback to effect cancellation of ringing (147). Finally, in a third embodiment, both the negative feedback and opposite phase methods are employed for optimal results.

Abstract: A bidirectional road traffic sensor include several respective lengths of coaxial piezoelectric cable each having a conductive core, a conductive polymer surrounding the core, a conductive sheath therearound and an electrically non-conductive jacket therearound. The cables are spliced together such that conductive core and conductive sheath of one length of piezoelectric cable is spliced respectively to the conductive sheath and conductive core of another piezoelectric cable. The splices are encapsulated in an electrically non-conductive material so that the spliced lengths of piezoelectric cables respectively constitutes positive, neutral and negative piezoelectric sensors. Pressure changes in the piezoelectric sensors are caused by vehicle passage thereover. In such a manner, electrical pulses are responsively produced by passage of vehicles traversing respective detection zones defined by the sensors and moving in respective particular directions so that such passage of such vehicles may be registered.

Abstract: A linear roadway sensor in which a distributed weight member has a weight per unit length which is sufficient to maintain the sensor on the roadway and substantially immune to air effects generated by vehicular traffic on the roadway. A method of safely installing the sensor is to pivot one end at the edge of the roadway and then swing the sensor on an arc then allowing the weight to maintain the sensor on the roadway.

Abstract: A mechanical/thermal stress transducer consisting of a piezo-pyroelectric material in electrical communication with a electroluminescent material, an electrode positioned between the piezo-pyroelectric material and the electroluminescent material forms the electrical communication at disjunct intervals so that the luminous intensity of light emitted by the electroluminescent material at any point is related to the mechanical/thermal stress acting at that point on the transducer. Selected applications of the transducer are included.

Abstract: A transducer having an energy conversion medium for converting changes in applied mechanical energy into corresponding changes in thermal energy and a pyroelectric material in thermal energy transfer relationship with the energy conversion medium for producing an electrical output substantially in response to the converted thermal energy. Such transducer is particularly useful as a hydrophone in detecting low frequency sound waves emitted by, or reflected from, underwater objects.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical sensor produced from a polymer film whose upper part (A) is made conductive, the lower part (B) remaining an insulator. When a strain is applied, the mechanical sensor according to the invention distorts, varying the resistance of part (A) and thus allowing the strain to be measured. Preferably, the polymer used is a thermostable polymer.

Abstract: Ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer comprising a piezoelectric material having a profile whereby the transducer transmits and/or receives ultrasonic vibrations in a dilational (quasilongitudinal) mode. The profile is curved and includes a point of inflection. Possesses a vibrational peak in the frequency range 10 KHz-200 KHz. Construction is performed via profiling and tensioning the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A sheet-form piezoelectric device having improved mechanical strengths as represented by an electrode peel strength while retaining flexibility and piezoelectric performances of a polymer-type piezoelectric device, is obtained by embedding a perforated sheet electrode into at least one surface layer of a polymer piezoelectric film treated with a solvent in advance. The sheet-form piezoelectric device may be wound or curved about a certain central axis to provide a tubular or curved piezoelectric device having wave-transmitting and/or -receiving characteristics suitable for wave-transmitting and/or -receiving devices, such as a hydrophone and microphone.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer employed for both transmitting ultrasonic acoustic energy into an immersion medium and for detecting acoustic energy reflected from an object under examination is provided, the transducer having a hybrid transmitter and receiver in which a ceramic piezoelectric material is used to construct a first piezoelectric element for transmitting the acoustic energy, and a polymer piezoelectric material is used to fabricate a second piezoelectric element for receiving the reflected acoustic energy. The hybrid ultrasonic transducer provides improved performance over prior transducers using only a single ceramic piezoelectric element, in that the good transmitting properties of the ceramic are preserved, while the better receiving properties of the polymer piezoelectric are used to improve the sensitivity of the transducer. The polymer piezoelectric has the further advantage of providing a closer match of acoustic impedance to the immersion fluid used in the evaluation of objects.

Abstract: An electrochemical membrane sensor 20 for immersion in a test fluid, such as wastewater, is used to sense desired chemical species, such as dissolved oxygen, within the test fluid. The sensor 20 has an open housing that defines a chamber 24. The chamber 24 is sealed from the test fluid by a membrane 28, so that the chamber 24 can be filled with an electrolytic medium 30. The membrane 28 is selectively permeable so as to allow only the desired chemical species from the test fluid to permeate into the electrolytic medium. Spaced apart within the chamber 24 is a cathode 29 and an anode 29a which are electrically connected to a measurement transducer that responds to current between the cathode 29 and anode 29a. The current is proportional to the concentration of the desired chemical species within the test fluid.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane acoustic device includes utilizing integrated circuit fabrication techniques to form a support structure for a piezoelectric membrane, to pattern interconnect schemes on the membrane and on a semiconductor substrate, and to form electronic components for amplifying and driving signals generated at one or more piezoelectrically strong active areas. The support structure is a lithographically patterned metal layer on the semiconductor substrate. A matching metallization on the piezoelectric membrane is conductively bonded to the metal support structure of the semiconductor substrate. An acoustic cavity area is etched through the semiconductor substrate to the back surface of the membrane. An extremely small membrane hydrophone can thereby be fabricated for operation at frequencies above 50 MHz.

Abstract: A flexible three-layer transducer wherein the layers are vertically stacked nd are coextensive with each other, the middle layer having twice the thickness of any one of the outer layers, and electrodes between and on the outside surface of the layers for conveying signals from the layers, said layers are made from PVDF or flexible piezoceramic sheets.

Abstract: A dual frequency, polymer hydrophone, array for a submersible vehicle is closed. A mid-frequency transducer array is employed in the forward end of a submersible vehicle. Between the mid-frequency array and a nose portion of the submersible vehicle is a single or multiple board piezoelectric polymer array employed to implement a secondary, high-frequency transducer array. Amplifying and signal conditioning units are mounted adjacent or on one metallic electrode layer or formed integrally thereon to minimize signal lead loss. The piezoelectric polymer material is chosen to have a density coefficient and sound velocity substantially equivalent to an acoustic window in the nose portion of the submersible vehicle and to be substantially transparent to the mid-frequency array. Minimal degradation of the mid-frequency received or transmitted signals occurs due to the transparency of the high-frequency array.