  With the aim to optimize and test the method of acoustic detection of
ultra-high energy neutrinos in underwater telescopes a compact acoustic
transmitter array has been developed. The acoustic parametric effect is used to
reproduce the acoustic signature of an ultra-high-energy neutrino interaction.
Different reseach and development studies are presented in order to show the
viability of the parametric sources technique to deal with the difficulties of
the acoustic signal generation: a very directive transient bipolar signal with
pancake directivity. The design, construction and characterization of the
prototype are described, including simulation of the propagation of an
experimental signal, measured in a pool, over a distance of 1 km. Following
these studies, next steps will be testing the device in situ, in underwater
neutrino telescope, or from a vessel in a sea campaign.
