The Acoustics Division conducts basic and applied research addressing the physics of acoustic signal generation, propagation, scatter, and detection with the objective of improving the strategic and tactical capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps in the ocean and land operational environment. 

The Division’s scientists and engineers perform collaborative research with scientists affiliated with national and international academic, private, and governmental research organizations. 

Acoustics research spans classical and quantum physics, signal processing, the impact of fluid dynamics on the oceans sound speed field [speed at which sound travels underwater], the propagation and scatter of acoustic signals in the ocean and land environments, structural and physical acoustics including the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology based sensors, and the application of networked unmanned underwater vehicles and associated sensors to the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW); Mine Countermeasures (MCM); and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.