Underwater sensing applications using Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs)

This research investigates the utilization of CMUTs in underwater object detection applications. Traditional underwater systems relying on piezoelectric transducers face challenges such as bulkiness, limitations in array fabrication, and impedance mismatch, constraining their performance. CMUTs, with their advanced fabrication technology, offer promising advantages including ease of array fabrication, batch production, wide bandwidth, and improved impedance matching. This study explores the capabilities of CMUTs for underwater object detection through a series of experiments involving various object shapes and materials. Additionally, topography mapping is explored using an automated XYZ stage for movement control and irregular structures, 3D alphabets representations as test objects (c). The findings highlight the potential of CMUTs as a viable alternative for enhancing underwater sensing capabilities in diverse applications such as sea bed mapping, collision avoidance in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and navigational support for divers.