Abstract: A broad bandwidth segmented acoustic transmitter is described formed of a plurality of differently sized, closely spaced acoustically active and separately energizable segments. Each segment is operated at a separate resonance to provide, with the acoustic energy from the other segments, a broad frequency spectrum composite acoustic pulse. In one embodiment the segments are aligned along a common axis with their respective lengths, as measured along this axis, selected to provide an acoustic pulse with broad bandwidth. The segments are energized by a common pulse to provide an acoustic spectrum which improves the measurement of acoustic parameters such as the compressional and shear wave interval travel times.