Ultrasensitive Directional Microphone Arrays for Military Operations in Urban Terrain

Acoustic sensing systems are critical elements in detection of sniper events. The microphones developed in this project enable unique sensing systems that benefit significantly from the enhanced sensitivity and extremely compact foot-print. Surface and bulk micromachining technologies developed at Sandia have allowed the design, fabrication and characterization of these unique sensors. We have demonstrated sensitivity that is only available in 1/2 inch to 1 inch studio reference microphones - with our devices that have only 1 to 2mm diameter membranes in a volume less than 1cm3.