Non-acoustic sensors

Abstract

The focus of the chapter is to provide a cross section of progress in the area of non-acoustic sensors for underwater mobile platforms and to provide a framework for structuring the subject of oceanographic non-acoustic sensors. State-of-the-art non-acoustic sensor systems are a summation of five areas: advanced analytical detectors, distributed computing, network technology, automation and power systems. The current state of sensor technology is partitioned and reviewed using a chemical, biological and physical sensing systems approach. A commentary on future directions for the three classes of sensor systems is also provided. Sampling technology with programmable fluidic processing systems capable of sampling with offline or online detectors is additionally presented to augment real-time nonacoustic sensor technology. The packaging of these types of sensor is briefly presented. Applications of ocean engineered AUV-based (AUV: autonomous underwater vehicles) sensing and sampling systems are also mentioned throughout the chapter to highlight the emergence of this class of ocean technology.