Join us in welcoming GeoSpectrum Technologies founder, Dr. Bruce Armstrong, on September 19 at COVE for our Ocean Connector!

The physics of hydrophones is easy to understand; mastery of the implementation of those ideas can be tricky. This talk will explain the physics in terms everyone should be able to understand. Topics covered will be piezoelectric ceramics, why a high frequency hydrophone is a poor choice to measure low frequencies and vice versa, preamp noise and how it relates to hydrophone sensitivity, why the low frequency sensitivity of a hydrophone is a ruler-straight line, and why it is sometimes better to calibrate hydrophones in air rather than water. Finally, you will learn that if you utter the words “rho-c”, you may be putting your professional reputation at risk.

Dr. Armstrong has been designing transducers for over 41 years. In 1978 he began work as a Defence Scientist in the transducer group at DRDC-A. In 1985, he began working for Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems, where he designed DIFAR (vector) hydrophones for sonobuoys. In 1994, he founded GeoSpectrum Technologies, where he still works today, guiding the technical teams.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Due to construction on Parker Street, the main road to COVE will be unavailable from September 16 to 27. To access COVE, a detour will be in place via Oceanview Drive by entering the NSCC Ivany Campus parking lot and taking the first street on the right. Proceed to the security guard at the gate and follow the road to the south end of the property to the marked parking areas.