Acoustic transducers using quantum tunneling composite active elements

摘要

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus for use downhole that includes at least one acoustic sensor. In one aspect, the acoustic sensor includes a chamber and an active element comprised of a quantum tunneling composite in the chamber. In another aspect, the acoustic sensor may further include a pair of conductive layers on a pair of sides of the active element. The chamber is filled with an electrically non-conductive fluid. The active element may be placed in the chamber in a manner that causes the active element to be responsive to acoustic waves along a selected direction or in a manner that enables the active element to be non-directional.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use downhole, comprising:
a tool for use downhole; an acoustic sensor in a body of the tool, the acoustic sensor including a chamber and an active element comprised of a quantum tunneling composite member in the chamber; a pair of conductive layers on a pair of sides of the active element, wherein each conductive layer is configured to act as an electrode; and a mass in the chamber configured to exert pressure on the active element along a selected direction in response to pressure pulses.