УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЕ ТЕРАПЕВТИЧЕСКОЕ СРЕДСТВО И СИСТЕМА

Изобретение относится к медицинской технике, а именно к ультразвуковым терапевтическим средствам. Ультразвуковое терапевтическое средство содержит ультразвуковой терапевтический аппликатор с ультразвуковым преобразователем, контейнер для размещения в нем аппликатора и контактирующей жидкости и подвижный узел, который проходит через стенку контейнера и соединен с аппликатором. В аппликаторе выполнены уравнительные блоки, сохраняющие неизменным уровень контактирующей жидкости в контейнере, когда подвижный узел перемещает ультразвуковой терапевтический аппликатор, установленный на контейнере. Ультразвуковая терапевтическая система содержит указанное ультразвуковое терапевтическое средство и управляется формирователем изображений. Использование изобретения позволяет повысить диагностический эффект ЯМР за счет сохранения постоянного уровня контактирующей жидкости. 2 н. и 6 з.п. ф-лы, 17 ил.

VERRINGERUNG DER SEITENMAXIMA BEI ULTRASCHALL-ECHOLOTVERFAHREN

RADIALLEISTUNGS-MEGASONIC-WANDLER

Ultrasonic transducer mfr. method - arranging row of transducer elements in magazine with metal edge connectors held in place by lid

The arrangement comprises a row of a parallel electrical array of transducer elements each having on its small side a metallisation layer. A magazine (2) contains a pile of transducer elements (6) and is connected to a reservoir (4). The inner surface of the magazine and the lid (12) are formed to the shape of the transducers. Each side of the transducer element is overlaid with a metal leaf at the edge (8,10) which extends over to the magazine region on each side of the element. The metal elements and the transducers are held in place by the lid member.

Improvements in or relating to sound producers and receivers

... 642,301. Sound - transmitting devices. RAYTHEON MANUFACTURING CO. Feb. 21, 1946, No. 5441. Convention date, March 10, 1945. [Class 40 (iv)] Means for producing a beam of compressional. waves comprises a radiating member 3 having symmetrical concentric areas around a central axis, the radial section of each area being a cycloidal arch and vibrating members being attached to the bases of the arches and vibrating in a direction parallel to the centre axis. The latter may consist of concentric magnetostrictive cylinders 20, 21, and 22 brazed or welded at points 11, 12, and 13 to the radiating member 3 and composed of thin laminated elements. The member 3 is formed with an outer ring section 6 which can be clamped to the casing 1 of the apparatus. Permanent magnets in the form of annular rings 35, 36, and 37 provide a permanent polarizing flux through cylinders 20, 21, and. 22. The energizing coils for the latter are wound on non-magnetic formers 29, 30, and 31 whose top contour is shaped to ...

ACOUSTOOPTICAL COMPONENTS

PROCEDURE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT BY ULTRASONIC

SYSTEM FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SHOCK WAVES

DEVICE FOR THE ULTRASONIC INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT

PROCEDURE FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF ULTRASONIC POWER IN OR FROM A KOERPER AND A FAKUSSIERENDER ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER.

ULTRASONIC APPLIKATOR FUER THE ULTRASONIC SCANNING OF BODIES

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AN ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE DYNAMIC DETERMINATION OF THE THICKNESS AND/OR THE WEIGHT PER UNIT AREA OF MOVED MATERIAL UNDER TEST

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

ANNULAR ARRAY ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS

SIDE LOOKING SONAR APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

An ultrasonic transducer is disclosed, which includes one or more ultrasonic emitting units. Wavefront of the ultrasonic waves emitted by said one or more ultrasonic emitting units is sphere with equal radius, additionally said one or more ultrasonic emitting units can reflect ultrasound. Said one ultrasonic emitting unit is configured to form a spherical surface resonant cavity, or said more ultrasonic emitting units are configured to form a spherical surface resonant cavity together. The internal cavity of said spherical surface resonant cavity has a spherical shell-shape or a cross-sectional spherical shell-shape with a spherical center. The ultrasound emitted by said one or more ultrasonic emitting units focuses on the spherical center of said spherical surface resonant cavity. The ultrasonic transducer could be not only provided with a large ultrasonic emitting area and a great focal gain that render the energy of the ultrasonic focus enhanced dramatically, but also practically immune ...

CONICAL TRANSDUCER ULTRASONIC SCANNER

... ? Conical Transducer Ultrasonic Scanning An ultrasonic image of improved resolution is obtained by utilizing separate transducers respectively for transmission and reception of ultrasonic pulses employed for imaging a subject, one transducer being a conical or simulated conical transducer having a line focus along the cone axis and the other transducer being aimed along the line focus of the first transducer. An area to be imaged may be scanned by moving the transducers as a unit about the subject portion to be examined.

ULTRASOUND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY AND ULTRASONIC ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPE

A plurarily of ultrasound generator assembles having a pair of ultrasound generators including a concave shaped one and a flat shaped one, resultantly realizing an excellent magnitude of accuracy, resolving power and versatility and simplisity in handling, and a plurality of ultrasonic acoustic microscopes having aforementioned ultrasound generator assemblies, resultantly realizing the same results.

Sende- und Empfangsvorrichtung für Ultraschall

Radial power megasonic transducer

NETWORK OF TRANSDUCERS FOR SWEEPING IN ARC COMPRISING A DIVERGENT LENS

TRANSDUCER SYSTEM USABLE WITH IMPROVED LOGGING TOOL FOR A BOREHOLE VIEWABLE THROUGH TELEVISION

EMETTEUR POUR LA GENERATION D'IMPULSIONS ACOUSTIQUES

L'INVENTION CONCERNE UN EMETTEUR POUR LA GENERATION D'IMPULSIONS ACOUSTIQUES TRANSITOIRES COMPORTANT UNE SURFACE DE RAYONNEMENT FOCALISANTE RECOURBEE DANS L'ESPACE QUI EST REPRESENTEE PAR LA SURFACE D'UNE ANTENNE ACTIVE OU PASSIVE UNIQUE OU PAR DES SURFACES DE PLUSIEURS ANTENNES ALIGNEES EN DUREE ET EN AMPLITUDE; LES IMPULSIONS APPARAISSANT AU NIVEAU DU FOYER SONT GENEREES A LA SURFACE DE RAYONNEMENT PAR UNE ONDE DE PRESSION ETOU DE CELERITE ESSENTIELLEMENT UNIPOLAIRE ET LIMITEE DANS LE TEMPS; AFIN DE POUVOIR GENERER UNE IMPULSION DE PRESSION ESSENTIELLEMENT UNIPOLAIRE DANS LE FOYER 4 D'UNE SURFACE DE RAYONNEMENT DE CE GENRE 2, LA SURFACE DE RAYONNEMENT 2 DIFFERE DE MANIERE DEFINIE D'UNE SURFACE DE RAYONNEMENT FOCALISANTE IDEALE DE TELLE SORTE QUE L'AUGMENTATION OU LA DIMINUTION DANS LE TEMPS DU POTENTIEL DE VITESSE POUVANT ETRE CALCULEE PAR L'INTEGRALE DE RAYLEIGH RESULTANT DE LA DIFFERENCE DE TEMPS AU NIVEAU DU FOYER DUE A LA DIFFERENCE DE SURFACE, S'EFFECTUE A UNE VITESSE DIFFERENTE ...

ULTRASOUND SCAN FOR ELECTRONIC SECTORAL SWEEPING AND ECHOGRAPH INCORPORATING SUCH A PROBE

SIDE LOOKING SONAR TRANSDUCER

TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET COMPORTANT UNE MEMBRANE A ELECTRET D'EPAISSEUR VARIABLE

L'INVENTION CONCERNE LES TRANSDUCTEURS ACOUSTIQUES. UN TRANSDUCTEUR ACOUSTIQUE DESTINE A PRODUIRE UNE REPONSE FORTEMENT DIRECTIONNELLE COMPREND UNE PLAQUE ARRIERE METALLISEE 130 QUI FAIT FACE A LA SURFACE PLANE 134 D'UNE MEMBRANE A ELECTRET 132 CHARGEE DE FACON ELECTROSTATIQUE. L'EPAISSEUR DE LA MEMBRANE A ELECTRET VARIE SUR LA LONGUEUR DE CELLE-CI SELON UNE RELATION PREDETERMINEE. LA SENSIBILITE DU TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET VARIE EN FONCTION DIRECTE DE L'EPAISSEUR DE LA MEMBRANE. APPLICATION AUX MICROPHONES DIRECTIONNELS.

ULTRASOUND SCAN FOR ELECTRONIC SECTORAL SWEEPING AND ECHOGRAPH INCORPORATING SUCH A PROBE

DEVICE Of ECHOGRAPHY HAS FOCUSING DYNAMIC AND HAS SECTORAL SWEEPING

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS FOR IMAGING AND THERAPY

Ultrasound applicators able to both image a treatment site and administer ultrasound therapy include an array of transducer elements that can be focused. In several embodiments, an electronically phased array is used for controlling the focal point of an ultrasound beam. The ultrasound beam produced thereby can also be electronically steered. To reduce the quality factor or Q of the array when the array is used for imaging, an electronic switch is selectively closed, placing a resistance in parallel with each of the array elements. A flexible array is employed in several embodiments and is selectively bent or flexed to vary its radius of curvature and thus control the focal point and/or a direction of focus of the array. In another embodiment, each of the transducer elements comprising the array are individually mechanically pivotable to steer the ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer elements.

PROBE WITH CURVED BAR FOR ECHOGRAPHY

A curved bar probe (1) for an echograph is fabricated by using a thin support (2) on which is placed a bar of piezoelectric crystal. The bar is divided into a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements (3). The thin support presents the particularity of being rigid at room temperature but is thermodeformable. By subjecting it to a heating-cooling cycle during which it is given a desired curved shape, a rigid bar having an imposed curved shape is obtained. It is then possible to avoid the adhesion of said support to a base (16). This would form a back-reflecting surface for acoustic waves and would create interference harmful to the useful acoustic signal.

Ultrasonic transducer element

An ultrasonic transducer element includes a polymer piezoelectric film having a plurality of sections. The sections are defined by wave planes of ultrasonic waves having substantially λ/2 phase difference emanated from an imaginary focal point or line located in front of the piezoelectric film. λ is the wave length of the ultrasonic waves within an acoustic transmission medium located between the piezoelectric film and the imaginary focal point or line. The sections are arranged so that ultrasonic waves emanated from adjacent sections have substantially no phase difference at the imaginary focal point or line. Front and rear electrodes are deposited on opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric film.

Formation of acoustical images

A device for forming acoustical images comprises an ultrasonic source, a linear array of first receiving transducers for receiving the echoes from a target illuminated by a source. The signals from the linear array of first receiving transducers are processed by a system comprising an oscillator at a frequency higher than that of the source, and, for each said receiving transducers, a mixer, a filter for separating the components of the beating frequency and a transmitting transducer.

Flexible ultrasonic transducers and related systems

A phased array transducer for an ultrasonic imaging system includes a flexible support element which supports an array of piezoelectric transducer elements. Shape transducers such as strain gauges or capacitive transducers are coupled to the support element to generate a signal indicative of the instantaneously prevailing curvature of the array. A user-controlled actuator is coupled to the support element to flex the support element between at least first and second configurations, wherein the support element has separate curvatures along the axis of the transducer in each of the first and second configurations. In some applications the transducer elements are positioned for separate scan formats in the first and second configurations. The support element can be provided with first and second alternating regions which differ in flexibility, in order to concentrate flexing of the support element in the second regions. In some applications the support element may have a cross-sectional dimension ...

High power-wide frequency band electroacoustic transducer

An electroacoustical transducer assembly employs a plurality of focused piezoelectric elements. Each of said elements is made of a plurality of individual sections and energized to produce a radiation pattern having desired geometrical properties. The individual piezoelectric elements are figured to improve the frequency bandwidth and to provide for improved electrical connection thereto.

DISPLAY APPARATUS

A display apparatus includes a display panel configured to display a first image in a first direction and configured to display a second image in a second, different direction, a sound output unit including sound output modules to output a sound, and a sound focusing unit. The sound focusing unit is configured to receive first and second audio signals synchronized with video data signals of the first image and the second image, apply a direction focusing weight to the first and second audio signals, and to provide the sound output modules with a sound signal having the direction focusing weight applied thereto. Furthermore, the sound output unit is configured to receive the sound signal corresponding to the sound output modules, to output a first sound corresponding to the first image in the first direction, and to output a second sound corresponding to the second image in the second direction.

CATHETER WITH ACOUSTIC ARRAY FOR MEDICAL ULTRASOUND

Ultrasonic probe for electronic sector scanning, and echoscope incorporating such a probe

Ultrasonic sensor and echograph with static sectorial scanning, especially for a wide angle picture, wherein according to a possible embodiment, the sensor comprises several groups of transducer elements forming between one another obtuse angles in such a way as to define overall a convex outline so that the delays or lags necessary to obtain a complete scanning be lower than with a conventional linear strip and thus easier to contol, the sensor being intended to be applied to medical echography.

Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging systems for varying depths of field

УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ПРЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬ

Изобретение относится к медицинской технике, а именно к устройствам для ультразвуковой терапии. Ультразвуковой преобразователь содержит по меньшей мере один ультразвуковой излучающий элемент, причем волновые фронты ультразвуковых волн, излученных ультразвуковым излучающим элементом, представляют собой сферические поверхности одинакового радиуса, а ультразвуковой излучающий элемент выполнен с функцией отражения ультразвука и с возможностью образования сферического объемного резонатора. В случае использования нескольких ультразвуковых излучающих элементов они выполнены с возможностью совместного образования сферического объемного резонатора. Внутренняя полость сферического объемного резонатора имеет форму полной сферической оболочки или форму усеченной сферической оболочки с центром сферы внутри, а ультразвуковые волны, излученные по меньшей мере одним ультразвуковым излучающим элементом, сфокусированы в области, в которой расположен центр сферы сферического объемного резонатора. Использование ...

STOSSWELLENQUELLE MIT PIEZOKERAMISCHER DRUCKQUELLE.

Akustisches Signalverfahren

PIEZOELEKTRISCHER WANDLER ZUR ZERSTOERUNG VON KONKREMENTEN IM KOERPERINNERN

Electro-acoustic device

... Continuously flowing liquids are treated by acoustic energy which is concentrated in a treatment head located at the focal region of a focused ultrasonic transducer (see Group XXXIX). The applications referred to in the Specification include emulsifying two liquids which may be either premixed or introduced into the treatment head through separate passages, sterilization or agglomeration of a single liquid or a liquid dispersion and the dispersion of particles such as copper powder in a liquid of high or low viscosity. As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid to be treated is circulated through a pipe 94 which communicates with a cylindrical member 86 threaded into a treatment head 23, the outer end of the cylinder being closed by a threaded plug 88 which supports a concentrically positioned outlet pipe 89. This pipe has a flared inner end which is positioned at the focal ...

IMPROVED TRANSDUCER SYSTEM FOR USE WITH BOREHOLE TELEVIEWER LOGGING TOOL

Ultrasound transducer arrays

Ultrasonic scanning head

A beam of ultrasonic energy is scanned through the use of a steerable mirror positioned in a liquid path traversed by the beam between a transmit-receive crystal and the target. The mirror is comprised of a material selected to have an angle of excitation of surface waves at the liquid-mirror interface which lies outside the range of angles of transmission and reception incidence at which the beam impinges on the mirror.

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

ULTRASONIC APPLIKATOR FOR THE ULTRASONIC SCANNING OF KOERPERN

ULTRASCHALL-APPLIKATOR FUER DIE ULTRASCHALL- ABTASTUNG VON KOERPERN

DEVICE FOR SENDING AND RECEIVING FROM ULTRASONIC SIGNALS.

Non-cylindrical acoustic wave device

Broadband phased array transducer design with frequency controlled two dimension capability and methods for manufacture thereof

SELECTABLE FOCUS ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS

METHOD OF PRODUCING ULTRA-SONIC TRANSDUCER

CONICAL TRANSDUCER ULTRASONIC SCANNER

MATERIAL TESTER

SIDE LOOKING SONAR APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS FOR VARYING DEPTHS OF FIELD

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS FOR VARYING DEPTHS OF FIELD An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described in which a multi-element transducer array transmits a focused beam of energy from the transducer elements. As the depth of focus is varied between near and far field focusing under operator control, the nominal frequency of the transmitted ultrasound energy is varied correspondingly by the system, from relatively high frequency transmission in the near field to relatively low frequency transmission in the far field.

COUPLING FOR A FOCUSED ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

A piezoelectric crystal has a concave active surface and a high acoustical impedance. A flat layer of molded material having a low accoutical impedance faces the active surface of the crystal to form a space therebetween. An intermediate layer of molded material having an intermediate acoustical impedance fills the space between the crystal and the flat layer. Preferably, the intermediate material has a sonic velocity near that of water, and the flat layer has a uniform thickness of approximately 1/4 of the average wavelength of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the crystal. A housing supports the crystal, the flat layer, and the intermediate layer.

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER SYSTEM AND METHOD

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING INHOMOGENEITIES IN SEMI-PLASTIC SUBSTANCES THROUGH ULTRASOUND

SINGLE ELEMENT ULTRASONIC COLLIMATING TRANSDUCERS AND A METHOD AND APPARATUS UTILIZING ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS IN 3D TOMOGRAPHY

A single element resonant or wideband collimating ultrasound piezotransducer with and without electronic scanning capabilities, which can be electronically optimized for far or near field imaging. In a resonant implementation, a plurality of concentric ring electrodes (further subdivided into segments to provide electronic scanning capability) are provided on both surfaces of the piezoelement. In the alternative implementation a plurality of sector shaped electrodes is placed on the front and back surface of non-homogeneously polarized piezoelement. The geometry of the electrodes is determined by calculation of pressure distribution on the working surface of the piezoelement which maximizes specific optimization criterion. Similarly, polarization vector in non-uniformly polarized element is calculated to maximize specific optimization criterion. In a wide band implementation the body of the piezoelement forms an acoustic trap. The plurality of electrodes of various geometries on working ...

METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT A COMPONENT ACOUSTICO-OPTIQUE OR AN ULTRASONIC COMPONENT BROAD BAND HAVEHAS

ULTRASONIC ULTRASONOGRAPH ELECTROSTRICTIVE MATERIAL AS NETWORKS FRESNEL APPROACHES

DEVICE OF WIRING FOR SOUND HAS GEOMETRICAL RADIATION SURVEY ETELECTRONIQUE

ECHOGRAPHE ULTRASONORE EN MATERIAU ELECTROSTRICTIF EN RESEAUX DE FRESNEL APPROCHES

ECHOGRAPHE ULTRASONORE EN RESEAUX DE FRESNEL APPROCHES COMPRENANT UN RESEAU FOCALISANT DE N TRANSDUCTEURS ULTRASONORES ET DANS LEQUEL LES TRANSDUCTEURS ULTRASONORES (A, B, C,..., I,..., N-1, N) SONT REALISES EN UN MATERIAU ELECTROSTRICTIF A POLARISATION NON REMANENTE, ET LADITE POLARISATION EST REALISEE PAR UN ETAGE DE POLARISATION COMPRENANT: 1 UNE SOURCE 501 DE P TENSIONS CONTINUES DE POLARISATION, 2 UN CIRCUIT DE DEMULTIPLEXAGE ET D'AIGUILLAGE 502 RECEVANT D'UNE PART LES P TENSIONS DE POLARISATION ET D'AUTRE PART UNE COMBINAISON DE M BITS SELECTIONNANT LESDITES TENSIONS POUR LES FOURNIR AUX TRANSDUCTEURS, 3 UN CIRCUIT DE DETERMINATION DE LOI DE PHASE 503 COMPOSE D'UNE MEMOIRE 521 DESTINEE A FOURNIR LES N COMBINAISONS NUMERIQUES RESPECTIVES AUX N DEMULTIPLEXEURS, ET 4 UN SEQUENCEUR 520. APPLICATION: ECHOGRAPHES UTILISES EN MEDECINE.

APPARATUS Of EXAMINATION OF MEDIUMS BY ULTRASONIC ECHOGRAPHY WITH ANGULAR FOCUSING

TRANSDUCER Of EXAMINATION HAS ULTRASOUNDS

IMPROVEMENTS WITH the DEVICES IMPLEMENTING ULTRASOUNDS TO FORM IMAGES, IN PARTICULAR FOR the EXAMINATION INTERNS Human body

Improvements concerning the producing devices of mechanical vibrations

IMPROVEMENTS WITH the DEVICES IMPLEMENTING ULTRASOUNDS TO FORM IMAGES, IN PARTICULAR FOR the EXAMINATION INTERNS Human body

APPLICATION AND MANUFACTORING PROCESS OF ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS OF COMPLEX FORMS TO OBTAINING ANNULAR TRANSDUCERS

TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET COMPORTANT UN ESPACE D'AIR EFFECTIF VARIABLE

L'INVENTION CONCERNE LES TRANSDUCTEURS ACOUSTIQUES. UN TRANSDUCTEUR DIRECTIONNEL COMPREND NOTAMMENT UNE MEMBRANE A ELECTRET 121 ET UNE PLAQUE ARRIERE METALLISEE 116, ET L'EPAISSEUR DE L'ESPACE D'AIR EFFECTIF ENTRE CES ELEMENTS VARIE SELON UNE RELATION PREDETERMINEE. LA SENSIBILITE DU TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET EST DIRECTEMENT PROPORTIONNELLE A L'EPAISSEUR DE L'ESPACE D'AIR EFFECTIF. ON PEUT FAIRE VARIER CETTE EPAISSEUR AU MOYEN D'UN ENSEMBLE DE TROUS DE MEME DIAMETRE PERCES JUSQU'A DES PROFONDEURS QUI VARIENT CONFORMEMENT A LA RELATION PREDETERMINEE. APPLICATION AUX MICROPHONES DIRECTIONNELS.

Opaque internal structure imaging - using ultrasonic probe with switched transmitters on curved surface and convergence point aperture (NL 31.10.78)

SIDE LOOKING SONAR APPARATUS

PROBE FOR APPARATUS HAS ULTRASOUNDS PROVIDED With a CONCAVE ARRANGEMENT Of PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENTS

SONDE POUR APPAREIL A ULTRASONS MUNIE D'UN ARRANGEMENT CONCAVE D'ELEMENTS PIEZO-ELECTRIQUES

DANS L'INVENTION POUR REALISER UNE SONDE A FACE D'ATTAQUE CONCAVE, ON UTILISE UNE LAME 5 DE TRANSITION ACOUSTIQUE CONTINUE. CETTE LAME EST METALLISEE 7, ET EST AU CONTACT EN COMMUN DE TOUTES LES METALLISATIONS AVANT 6 DES ELEMENTS PIEZO-ELECTRIQUES DE LA SONDE. LES METALLISATIONS ARRIERES 8 DES ELEMENTS DEBOUCHENT ELECTRIQUEMENT INDEPENDAMMENT VERS L'ARRIERE DE LA SONDE. IL EN RESULTE QUE LA CONNEXION ELECTRIQUE DES ELEMENTS PIEZO-ELECTRIQUES EST SIMPLIFIEE. CETTE SONDE EST UTILISABLE DANS DES EXPERIENCES AVEC ULTRASONS OU UNE BONNE FOCALISATION EST RECHERCHEE.

Method of fabricating dark field coaxial ultrasonic transducer

A dark field ultrasonic transducer is constructed with an outer annular spherical or conical transducer element and an inner spherical element. The outer annular element is excited and insonifies a small portion of a part surface near a discontinuity or crack with longitudinal waves or with surface waves. The inner dark field element is not focused to be sensitive to either reflected sound or waves reradiated from the surface waves, but detects sound scattered from surface discontinuities such as a crack edge. When surface waves strike a crack edge and restrike it after reflection from the bottom of the crack, two pulses are received and the time delay between them is a measure of crack depth. The crack shape and crack depth profile are determined as the part is scanned. A sphere-cone transducer, the preferred embodiment, is fabricated by stretching thin piezoelectric polymer film over a tool having a ball embedded in a conical surface.

Method and apparatus for sidelobe suppression in scanning imaging systems

The paraxial, c.w. focal zone resolution of a focussed scanning imaging system is improved by choosing the ratio of the size of the apertures which are used to transmit and receive energy from the scene such that the first and second sidelobes of the system point spread function have equal amplitudes.

ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER ELEMENT

Focusing ultrasonic transducer

Equipment for the transmission and reception of ultrasonic signals

РАДИАЛЬНЫЙ АКУСТИЧЕСКИЙ ПРЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬ МЕГАГЕРЦОВОГО ДИАПАЗОНА

... 1. Преобразователь, содержащий средство для генерирования акустической энергии в частотном диапазоне 0,4–2,0 МГц, при этом средство генерирования акустической энергии выполнено с возможностью подачи приблизительно одинакового количества энергии за данный период времени на каждую единицу площади поверхности подложки, подвергаемой воздействию акустической энергии, во время относительного вращения между подложкой и преобразователем, при этом средство генерирования акустической энергии имеет конструктивный признак, который обеспечивает передачу переменного количества акустической энергии от средства генерирования акустической энергии для компенсации увеличения линейной скорости, вызванного относительным вращением точек на конкретной поверхности с увеличением расстояния от центра конкретной поверхности, при этом средство генерирования акустической энергии перекрывает меньше, чем сто процентов конкретной поверхности, и резонатор, прикрепленный к средству генерирования акустической энергии для ...

ULTRASCHALLWANDLERANORDNUNG

Ultraschallabbildungssystem mit phasengesteuertem Array und dynamischer Höhenfokussierung

Material-Pruefgeraet

APPARATUS FOR THE ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF AN OBJECT

... 1514050 Ultrasonic inspection apparatus AUSTRALIA COMMONWEALTH OF 13 Sept 1976 [15 Sept 1975] 37754/76 Heading GIG Apparatus for the ultrasonic inspection of an object comprises a focused transducer array 1 including a central transducer element 2 and concentric, annular transducer elements 3, 4, and time delays 7-9, 17-19 which enable the focus of the transducer array to be varied during the transmission of ultrasonic pulses to the object and during the receipt of echoes from the object. The geometrical focus of the array is at point 5 but by adjusting the delay of the pulses supplied to transmitters 10-12 to be zero, small and large respectively, the ultrasonic wave front 13 is focused at point 14. By adjusting the time delay of the delays 17-19 to be large, small and zero respectively, the echoes from the wavefront 13 arrive simultaneously at an adder 20.

AN ULTRASONIC PROCESS FOR TESTING BY IMMERSION A PIECE,FOR EXAMPLE OF METAL,AND USE THEREOF

DEVICE FOR THE ULTRASONIC INVESTIGATION OF AN OBJECT

PROCEDURE FOR THE WORK OF A DESIRED SOUND FIELD AS WELL AS AN ULTRASONIC CONVERTER FOR EXERCISING THE PROCEDURE

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER FOR ECHOGRAPHY WITH A CONVEXE SURFACE FORMING MATRIX OF TRANSDUCER ELEMENTS.

Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic device

An ultrasonic probe includes at least one transmission element layer for transmitting ultrasonic waves, at least one reception element layer for receiving ultrasonic waves and which is provided with an electrode on each of both surfaces opposed in a direction of a thickness thereof, and at least one matching layer for matching acoustic impedance. These layers are arranged in this order in a direction of transmitting the ultrasonic waves. The reception element layer is provided with a projecting portion projecting in a direction of elevation from upper and lower layers which sandwich the two electrodes respectively formed on both surfaces of the reception element layer, and at least one of the electrodes is formed by extending to the projecting portion.

Ultrasonic transducer

An ultrasonic transducer is disclosed, which includes one or a plurality of ultrasonic emitting units. Wavefronts of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the one or the plurality of ultrasonic emitting units are sphere surfaces with uniform radius, and the one or the plurality of ultrasonic emitting units can reflect ultrasound. The one ultrasonic emitting unit is configured to form a spherical resonant cavity, or the plurality of ultrasonic emitting units are configured to form a spherical resonant cavity collectively. An internal cavity of the spherical resonant cavity has a spherical shell shape or a cross-sectional spherical shell shape with a spherical center therein. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the one or the plurality of ultrasonic emitting units are focused on an area in which the spherical center of the spherical resonant cavity is located. The ultrasonic transducer not only can be provided with a large ultrasonic emitting area and a great focusing gain that render the energy of the ultrasonic focus enhanced dramatically, but also can be free from the influence of work frequency of an ultrasonic source.

Circular loudspeaker array with controllable directivity

The invention relates to a sound-emitting device with controllable directivity comprising a plurality of sound sources ( 7 ) distributed over the surface of a body 5, each of said sound sources ( 7 ) being driven by a separate power amplifier ( 12 ), the input terminal of which is provided with the output signal from a corresponding filter ( 10 ), such that the frequency response of each individual sound source ( 7 ) can be controlled, where each filter ( 10 ) is provided with an input signal ( 11 ) corresponding to a plurality of input channels Ch 1 , Ch 2 . . . Ch N . The body ( 5 ) could according to one embodiment of the invention comprise a cylindrical body provided with end pieces ( 6 ) at either longitudinal end. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling the individual sound sources of the sound-emitting device in order to obtain a given target directivity.

Ultrasonic probe and manufacturing method thereof

An ultrasonic probe including a matching layer providing conductivity via an electrode formed on a surface contacting a piezoelectric material, and a manufacturing method thereof. The method of manufacturing an ultrasonic probe includes forming kerfs on a surface of the matching layer, forming an electrode on the surface of the matching layer at which the kerfs are formed, or on an opposite surface thereof, and mounting the surface provided with the electrode on the piezoelectric material.

HEAD UNIT, ULTRASONIC PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

A head unit for an ultrasonic probe includes a connecting section, an element chip and a supporting member. The connecting section is configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe. The element chip is configured to be electrically connected to the probe main body through the connecting section. The element chip includes a substrate and an ultrasonic element array. The substrate defines a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern. The ultrasonic element array includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings of the substrate. The supporting member supports the element chip. 1. A head unit for an ultrasonic probe comprising:a connecting section configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe; a substrate defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern, and', 'an ultrasonic element array including a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings of the substrate; and, 'an element chip configured to be electrically connected to the probe main body through the connecting section, the element chip including'}a supporting member supporting the element chip.2. The head unit according to claim 1 , whereinthe connecting section has a plurality of connecting terminals configured to be connected to the probe main body, andthe connecting terminals are disposed on a first surface side of the supporting member and the element chip are supported on a second surface side of the supporting member with the second surface side being a reverse side of the first surface side.3. The head unit according to claim 2 , wherein at least one connector having the connecting terminals, and', 'at least one flexible printed circuit board including a wiring part for connecting the connector and the element ...

Ultra wide bandwidth transducer with dual electrode

Wide bandwidth piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs), pMUT arrays and systems having wide bandwidth pMUT arrays are described herein. For example, a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) includes a piezoelectric membrane disposed on a substrate. A reference electrode is coupled to the membrane. First and second drive/sense electrodes are coupled to the membrane to drive or sense a first and second mode of vibration in the membrane.

Ultrasonic Transducer and Method of Fabricating an Ultrasonic Transducer

An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer. 17-. (canceled)8. A method of producing an ultrasonic transducer , the method comprising the steps of:providing a delay line substrate;providing a piezoelectric substrate as an active transducer element;depositing a first metal layer on the delay line substrate;depositing a second metal layer and the piezoelectric substrate;bonding the delay line substrate to the piezoelectric substrate to form a stack and to facilitate coupling ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the piezoelectric element;milling the piezoelectric substrate to expose a portion of at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer to allow electrical contact;depositing a first patterned electrode on the exposed portion to allow external electrical connection to the at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; anddepositing a second patterned electrode on the piezoelectric element, the second patterned electrode defining an active area of the ultrasonic transducer and configured to electrically connect externally.9. The method of claim 8 , ...

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

An ultrasonic sensor including a case having a bottom portion, and a piezoelectric element that is bonded to an inner surface of the bottom portion and performs bending vibration together with the bottom portion. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer having a transmission region and a reception region, a common electrode, a transmission electrode opposing the common electrode with the transmission region interposed therebetween, and a reception electrode opposing the common electrode with the reception region interposed therebetween. The transmission region and the reception region are formed at positions adjacent to each other. 1. An ultrasonic sensor comprising:a case having a bottom portion; and a piezoelectric layer having a transmission region and a reception region;', 'a common electrode having at least one portion facing or disposed within both the transmission region and reception region of the piezoelectric layer;', 'a transmission electrode opposed to the common electrode with the transmission region interposed therebetween; and', 'a reception electrode opposed to the common electrode with the reception region interposed therebetween, wherein an impedance between the transmission electrode and the common electrode is lower than an impedance between the reception electrode and the common electrode., 'a piezoelectric element bonded to an inner surface of the bottom portion, the piezoelectric element including2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the reception electrode comprises at least one disk and the transmission electrode comprises a plurality of intermediate portions disposed in the transmission region of the piezoelectric layer claim 1 , wherein the number of intermediate portions is greater than the number of the at least one disk.3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission region and the reception region are arranged at positions adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to ...

ULTRASOUND PROBE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ULTRASOUND PROBE, AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

An ultrasound probe includes: a piezoelectric material in which piezoelectric elements to transmit and receive ultrasound are one-dimensionally arrayed; and at least one acoustic matching layer arranged on a subject side of the piezoelectric material, wherein the piezoelectric material includes a plurality of first grooves, and at least a second groove formed between the plurality of first grooves, the piezoelectric material is divided by at least either the first grooves or the second groove, and either each of the first grooves or the second groove is a void, or the first grooves and the second groove are respectively filled with fillers having different hardness. 1. An ultrasound probe comprising:a piezoelectric material in which piezoelectric elements to transmit and receive ultrasound are one-dimensionally arrayed; andat least one acoustic matching layer arranged on a subject side of the piezoelectric material,wherein the piezoelectric material includes a plurality of first grooves, and at least a second groove formed between the plurality of first grooves,the piezoelectric material is divided by at least either the first grooves or the second groove, andeither each of the first grooves or the second groove is a void, or the first grooves and the second groove are respectively filled with fillers having different hardness.2. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , wherein the acoustic matching layer includes a division layer divided by at least either the first grooves or the second groove.3. The ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein the division layer is a layer divided by only either the first grooves or the second groove.4. The ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein the division layer is an uppermost layer of the acoustic matching layer.5. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric material is divided by only either the first grooves or the second groove.6. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , further ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND FABRICATING THE SAME

An aspect of one embodiment, there is provided an ultrasonic transducer including a plurality of oscillators, each of the oscillator having a convex portion, a printed wiring board provided to be opposed to the convex portion and electrically connected to the convex portion, a resin provided between the oscillator and the printed wiring board, the resin covering at least the convex portion and a portion of the printed wiring board. 1. (canceled)2. An ultrasonic transducer , comprising:a plurality of oscillators, each of the oscillator having a convex portion;a printed wiring board provided to be opposed to the convex portion and electrically connected to the convex portion;a resin provided between the oscillator and the printed wiring board, the resin covering at least the convex portion and a portion of the printed wiring board.3. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 2 , whereinthe oscillator includes a transducer element including an acoustic matching layer, a piezoelectric element and a backing member in order as a stacked body, a first electrode on the packing member and a second electrode on the acoustic matching layer, and the convex portion includes the first electrode and the backing member.4. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 2 , whereinthe oscillator includes the transducer element including the acoustic matching layer, the piezoelectric element and the backing member in order as the stacked body, the first electrode on the backing member and the second electrode on the acoustic matching layer, and the convex portion is provided on the first electrode.5. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 2 , further comprising:an adhesive material contacted to cover at least a portion of the convex portion, the adhesive material connecting the oscillator and the printed wiring board,wherein the resin is provided to cover at least a portion of the adhesive material.6. A method of fabricating the ultrasonic transducer according to claim 2 , comprising:providing the plurality ...

ENERGY BASED FAT REDUCTION

Systems and methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat. 1targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, said region of interest containing a fat lobuli;delivering ultrasound energy to said region of interest;generating a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy, said conformal lesion on a surface of said fat lobuli;creating an opening in said surface of said fat lobuli; andreleasing a fluid out of said fat lobuli and through said opening in reducing an appearance of the cellulite on said surface of skin.. A method of non-invasive treatment of cellulite, the method comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/127,691 filed Dec. 18, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/794,701 filed Feb. 19, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,888,716, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/272,427 filed Feb. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,519, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/996,249 filed Jun. 1, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,894, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/829,175 filed Dec. 1, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,721 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/650,525 filed Jul. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,639, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/380,267 filed Dec. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,731, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. ...

INTERPOSER, ULTRASOUND PROBE USING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING INTERPOSER

An interposer includes: a circuit board stack in which circuit boards are stacked; and an outer board arranged on at least one of outer side surfaces of the circuit board stack. The circuit boards are arranged include first conductive lines having first ends exposed through a first side portion of the circuit boards and second ends exposed through a second side portion opposite the first side portion of the circuit boards. The outer board includes second conductive lines having first ends exposed through a different side from the first side portion of the circuit boards and second ends exposed through a side portion located on a same side as the second side portion of the circuit boards. 1. An interposer comprising:a circuit board stack in which a plurality of circuit boards are stacked, the plurality of circuit boards being arranged next to one another to form a first side portion of the circuit board stack and comprise first conductive lines, each of the first conductive lines having a first end exposed through the first side portion of the circuit board stack and a second end exposed through a second side portion of the circuit board stack, the second side portion being opposite the first side portion; andan outer board arranged on at least one of outer side surfaces of the circuit board stack, to form joined planes with a plane of the first side portion and a plane of the second side portion, respectively, the outer side surfaces of the circuit board stack extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, a first end exposed through a first side of the outer board that is different from the plane joined with the plane of the first side portion of the circuit board stack, and', 'a second end exposed through a second side of the outer board that is located on a same side as the plane joined with the second side portion of the circuit board stack., 'wherein the outer board comprises second conductive lines, each of the second conductive lines ...

Methods and devices for generating high-amplitude and high-frequency focused ultrasound with light-absorbing materials

A high-frequency light-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) device is provided. The device has a source of light energy, such as a laser, and an optoacoustic lens comprising a concave composite layer with a plurality of light absorbing particles that absorbs laser energy, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and a polymeric material that rapidly expands upon exposure to heat, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane. The laser energy is directed to the optoacoustic lens and thus can generate high-frequency (e.g., ≧10 MHz) and high-amplitude pressure output (e.g., ≧10 MPa) focused ultrasound. The disclosure also provides methods of making such new arcuate optoacoustic lenses, as well as methods for generating and using the high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound, including for surgery, like lithotripsy and ablation.

ULTRASONIC PROBE AND SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS

An ultrasonic probe includes an oscillator including a pair of electrodes, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by an oscillation of the oscillator, and wherein a wiring for transmitting a transmission signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to one of the pair of electrodes, and a preamplifier configured to amplify a reception signal acquired from the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:an oscillator including a pair of electrodes,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave by an oscillation of the oscillator, andwherein a wiring for transmitting a transmission signal for transmitting the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to one of the pair of electrodes, and a preamplifier configured to amplify a reception signal obtained from the reception of the ultrasonic wave by the oscillator is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring for transmitting the transmission signal and a wiring for transmitting the reception signal form a common wiring in which a wiring is partially shared between the transmission signal and the reception signal claim 1 , and a switch configured to switch a state capable of transmitting the transmission signal and a state capable of transmitting the reception signal is provided in this common wiring.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a piezoelectric element between the pair of electrodes claim 1 ,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and receive the ultrasonic wave using a piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element.4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a space between the pair of electrodes claim 1 ,wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured to transmit and ...

Ultrasound Device

An ultrasound system () includes an ultrasound transducer array and a component () with electronics () embedded in a material () with at least one redistribution layer () electrically coupled to the embedded electronics, wherein the at least one redistribution layer electrically couples the ultrasound transducer array and the electronics. 1. An ultrasound system , comprising:an ultrasound transducer array; anda component with electronics embedded in a material with at least one redistribution layer electrically coupled to the embedded electronics,wherein the at least one redistribution layer electrically couples the ultrasound transducer array and the electronics.2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the component is one of a Fan Out Wafer Level Packaging or an Embedded Wafer Level Ball Grid Array based component.3. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the material includes a mold compound.4. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the material includes a printed circuit board.5. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the electronics includes a plurality of dies.6. The ultrasound system of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of dies includes a two dimensional matrix of the dies.7. The ultrasound system of claim 5 , wherein the dies are tiled in a same plane.8. The ultrasound system of claim 5 , wherein a die includes an electrical contact and the redistribution layer includes an electrical conductive trace that extends through the redistribution layer from the electrical contact to the opposing side claim 5 , forming a contact pad.9. The ultrasound system of claim 8 , the ultrasound transducer array claim 8 , comprisingat least one transducer element; andat least one electrical contact of the at least one transducer element, wherein the contract pad and the at least one electrical contact are electrically coupled.10. The ultrasound system of claim 9 , further comprising:a conductive coupling that electrically couples the contract pad and the at ...

ACOUSTIC LENS USING EXTRAORDINARY ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION

An acoustic lens or diffractive acoustic device, including but not limited to, a sub-wavelength thickness lens or diffuser, comprising an array of Helmholtz resonators (HRs) that provide perfect or near-perfect sound transmission through a rigid barrier. HRs are arranged in a line or an array confined within a waveguide and oriented so that one neck protrudes onto each side of the barrier. Extraordinary acoustic transmission (EAT) occurs when radiation (such as EM or acoustic radiation) incident on the barrier perforated with sub-wavelength holes is transmitted at a rate higher than expected based on the areal coverage fraction of the holes. Transmission is independent of the direction of sound on the barrier and the relative placement of the necks. 1. An acoustic lens system with extraordinary acoustic transmission , comprising:a Helmholtz resonator with a resonant frequency embedded in a barrier with a first side and a second side;wherein the barrier is subject to an incident acoustic wavefront on the first side;wherein the Helmholtz resonator is configured to spatially modify the phase of the acoustic wavefront while transmitting the acoustic wavefront from the first side to the second side.2. The lens system of claim 1 , wherein the spatial modification of the phase of the acoustic wavefront is based upon the resonant frequency of the Helmholtz resonator.3. The lens system of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the lens is below the incident radiation's wavelength.4. The lens system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of said Helmholtz resonators.5. The lens system of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of Helmholtz resonators are configured in a line.6. The lens system of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of Helmholtz resonators are configured in a two-dimensional array.7. The lens system of claim 4 , wherein at least one of said plurality of Helmholtz resonators has a different resonant frequency from the remaining Helmholtz resonators. This application is a ...

DIRECTIONAL SOUND DEVICE

A directional sound apparatus includes a planar shape plate and a sound wave generator. The planar shape plate has a plurality of grooves formed on a surface of the planar shape plate. The sound wave generator is configured to radiate a sound wave to outside from the surface of the planar shape plate. A width of each of the grooves and a distance between the grooves adjacent to each other are smaller than a wavelength of the sound wave. The planar shape plate has a plurality of cell areas in which at least one groove is included. A structure of the groove included in a first cell area is different from that of the groove included in a second cell area adjacent to the first cell area, so that surface admittance in the first cell area is different from that in the second cell area. 1. A directional sound apparatus comprising:a planar shape plate having a plurality of grooves formed on a surface thereof; anda sound wave generator configured to radiate a sound wave to outside from the surface of the planar shape plate;wherein a width of each of the grooves and a distance between the grooves adjacent to each other are smaller than a wavelength of the sound wave,wherein the planar shape plate has a plurality of cell areas in which at least one groove is included,wherein a structure of the groove included in a first cell area is different from that of the groove included in a second cell area adjacent to the first cell area, so that surface admittance in the first cell area is different from that in the second cell area.2. The directional sound apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a depth of the groove included in the first cell area is different from that of the groove included in the second cell area adjacent to the first cell area.3. The directional sound apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a distance between the grooves adjacent to each other is substantially same as a width of the groove claim 2 ,wherein central points of the grooves on a bottom surface are connected to form a ...

ULTRASOUND ELEMENT AND ULTRASOUND ENDOSCOPE

An ultrasound element includes a silicon substrate, a lower electrode layer that has a plurality of lower electrode sections, and a plurality of lower wiring sections, and is connected to a lower electrode terminal to which a drive signal and a bias signal are applied, a lower insulating layer, an upper insulating layer in which a plurality of cavities smaller than the respective lower electrode sections are formed, an upper electrode layer that has a plurality of upper electrode sections that are disposed to face the respective lower electrode sections via the respective cavities, and are smaller than the lower electrode sections and larger than the cavities, and a plurality of upper wiring sections, and is connected to an upper electrode terminal at a ground potential that detects a capacitance signal, and a protection layer. 1. An ultrasound element , comprising:a base substrate;a lower electrode layer that has a plurality of lower electrode sections, and a plurality of lower wiring sections that connect the plurality of lower electrode sections, and is connected to a lower electrode terminal to which a drive signal and a bias signal are applied;a lower insulating layer;an upper insulating layer in which a plurality of cavities smaller than the respective lower electrode sections are formed;an upper electrode layer that has a plurality of upper electrode sections that are disposed to face the respective lower electrode sections via the respective cavities, and are smaller than the lower electrode sections and larger than the cavities, and a plurality of upper wiring sections that connect the plurality of upper electrode sections, and is connected to an upper electrode terminal at a ground potential that detects a capacitance signal; anda protection layer.2. The ultrasound element according to claim 1 ,wherein the upper wiring sections and the lower wiring sections are placed so as not to be disposed to face each other.3. The ultrasound element according to claim ...

APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING ULTRASOUND

An apparatus for transmitting ultrasound comprises a curved oscillating body having a coupling surface for coupling a converter, wherein the oscillating body is curved and has a recess. 113.-. (canceled)14. An apparatus for transmitting ultrasound , the apparatus comprising a curved oscillating body having a coupling surface provided at one end for coupling a converter , and wherein the oscillating body has at least one recess between the coupling surface and the end opposite thereto , said recess extending over the periphery of the oscillating body.15. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the oscillating body is curved in the shape of one of a U claim 14 , an S claim 14 , and a J16. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the oscillating body has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape apart from the recess.17. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the oscillating body has part sections of quadrant shape at both sides of the recess.18. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the recess is curved in cross-section.19. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein a further coupling surface for a sonotrode is provided at the end disposed opposite the coupling surface.20. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein a sonotrode is molded in one piece to the end disposed opposite the coupling surface.21. The apparatus in accordance with claim 20 , wherein a recess is provided between the sonotrode and the oscillating body.22. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the oscillating body has one of a rectangular cross-section and a square cross-section.23. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the oscillating body has a constant radius of curvature at both sides of the recess.24. The apparatus in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the curvature of the oscillating body has at least one inflection point.25. The apparatus in accordance with claim 24 , wherein the curvature of ...

Implementation of On-Off Passive Wireless Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Using Coding and Switching Techniques

Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system. 1. A wireless external closure detection for surface acoustic wave devices , comprising:one or more magnetic switches each connected with a single channel or parallel channels of a coded surface acoustic wave device; andan external magnetic field applied to the two or more magnetic switches to determine if a wireless communication link is established and that the surface acoustic wave device is operational.2. The wireless external closure detection of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magnetic switches comprises:two magnetic switches, one in a normally on position connected with a first channel and the other one in a normally off position connected to a second channel parallel with the first channel, the two magnetic switches switching between channels when the external magnetic field is present.3. The wireless external closure detection of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magnetic switches comprises:one or more reed switches for magnetic closure detection.4. An integrated surface acoustic wave closure sensor consisting essentially of:surface acoustic wave encoded devices having plural reflector gratings coupled with a transducer; anda thin film ferromagnetic material connected with the surface acoustic wave encoded devices, the placement of the thin film ferromagnetic material changing a selected one of a delay, loss or frequency of the surface acoustic wave devices.5. ...

ACOUSTIC METAMATERIAL AND SYSTEMS FOR EDGE DETECTION

An acoustic imaging metamaterial is provided for obtaining edge detection information of a tangible object. The acoustic imaging metamaterial includes a longitudinally extending phononic crystal substrate that defines a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A first structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the first major surface, and a second structurally rigid grating layer is disposed adjacent the second major surface. In various aspects, the first and second structurally rigid grating layers are identical in shape and dimensions, and are aligned with one another. The acoustic imaging metamaterial is configured to redirect, confine, and/or manipulate an incident acoustic wave resulting in a high contrast image used for extracting edge detection information of the tangible object. The background medium fluid of the system can be air or a fluid such as water. 1. An acoustic imaging metamaterial for obtaining edge detection information of a tangible object , the acoustic imaging metamaterial comprising:a longitudinally extending phononic crystal substrate defining first and second opposing major surfaces;a first structurally rigid grating layer disposed adjacent the first major surface; anda second structurally rigid grating layer disposed adjacent the second major surface,wherein the acoustic imaging metamaterial is configured to redirect, confine, and/or manipulate an incident acoustic wave resulting in data used to create a high contrast image for extracting edge detection information of the tangible object.2. The acoustic imaging metamaterial according to claim 1 , wherein the first structurally rigid grating layer and the second structurally rigid grating layer are provided as lamellar grating layers claim 1 , each defining a plurality of periodically spaced rectangular columns of identical dimensions.3. The acoustic imaging metamaterial according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of periodically spaced ...

ACOUSTOPHORETIC DEVICE WITH PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER ARRAY

An apparatus for separating particles from a fluid stream includes a flow chamber that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. At least one ultrasonic transducer is located on a wall of the flow chamber. The transducer includes a piezoelectric array with at least two piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric array includes a piezoelectric material to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber. A reflector is located on the wall on the opposite side of the flow chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer. 1. An apparatus for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid , comprising:a flow chamber that includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet; andat least one ultrasonic transducer coupled to the flow chamber, the transducer including a piezoelectric array formed from a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and the piezoelectric array being configured to create at least one multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one reflector across the flow chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric array is present on a single crystal claim 1 , with one or more channels separating the piezoelectric elements from each other.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each piezoelectric element is physically separated from surrounding piezoelectric elements by a potting material.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each piezoelectric element is connected to an individual electrode claim 1 , such that each piezoelectric element can be individually controlled for phasing claim 1 , frequency claim 1 , and power.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements also share a common ground electrode.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric array can be rotated during operation.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric elements are ...

MAGNETICALLY DRIVEN ULTRASONIC SCANNING DEVICE

The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe scanning device comprising: a disposable part and a fixed part. In the disposable part, an ultrasonic probe with a magnetic end attaches to a slide rail encapsulated in a water-containing closed area. Otherwise, in the fixed part, a magnetic holder attached to a track, and a motor for driving the magnetic holder to move back and forth on the track. When the disposable part and the fixed part be combined, it can drive the motion of ultrasonic scanning device by magnetic attraction force. 1. An ultrasonic probe scanning device comprising: a power input port;', 'a slide rail: and', 'an ultrasonic probe having a magnetic end with at least a pair of magnet N and S poles, wherein the ultrasonic probe is connected to the slide rail and electrically connected to the power input port, wherein the slide rail and the ultrasonic probe are encapsulated in a water-containing closed area;, 'a disposable part having a power output slot for electrically engaging the power input port when the disposable part is combined with the fixed part;', 'a track;', 'a magnetic holder coupled to the track for magnetically driving the ultrasonic probe when the disposable part is combined with the fixed part; and', 'a motor which drives the magnetic holder to move on the track., 'a fixed part having2. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic probe further comprises a miniature brake claim 1 , which is used for controlling the ultrasonic probe moving perpendicularly to the slide rail.3. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic probe comprises:a therapy probe; andan imaging probe, which is parallel to the irradiation direction of the therapy probe.4. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 3 , wherein the imaging probe has the same focal plane as the therapy probe.5. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 3 , wherein the operating frequency of the imaging probe is 5 to 20 ...

PROCESSING DEVICE, ULTRASONIC DEVICE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

An ultrasonic device includes a substrate, first ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency, and second ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The first ultrasonic elements are arranged along a first direction to make a first to an n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The second ultrasonic elements are arranged along the first direction to make a first to an n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The first to the n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines and the first to the n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines are arranged along a second direction. The first and second ultrasonic elements have an opening, a vibrating membrane, and a piezo element part. A length in the second direction of the opening of the first ultrasonic element is shorter than a length in the second direction of the opening of the second ultrasonic element. 1. An ultrasonic device comprising:a substrate;a plurality of first ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency disposed on the substrate; anda plurality of second ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency, which is lower than the first frequency, disposed on the substrate,the plurality of first ultrasonic elements being arranged along a first direction to make a first high-frequency ultrasonic element line to an n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element line (n is an integer of more than 2),the plurality of second ultrasonic elements being arranged along the first direction to make a first low-frequency ultrasonic element line to an n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element line,the first high-frequency ultrasonic element line to the n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element line being arranged along a second direction which intersects with the first direction,the first low-frequency ultrasonic element line to the n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element line being ...

ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE FOR BEAMING SOUNDWAVES

An acoustic structure for beaming soundwaves from a first direction toward a second direction, may include a plurality of phononic crystals. The plurality of phononic crystals have an outer border, an internal cavity and a channel extending between the outer border and the internal cavity, wherein the channel defines an opening within the outer border. The phononic crystals are disposed such that the opening faces the second direction. Soundwaves from the first direction are beamed to the second direction by the plurality of phononic crystals. 1. An acoustic structure for beaming at least a portion of soundwaves from a first direction toward a second direction , the acoustic structure comprising:a plurality of phononic crystals;wherein the plurality of phononic crystals have an outer border, an internal cavity and a channel extending between the outer border and the internal cavity, the channel defining an opening within the outer border;wherein the phononic crystals are disposed such that the opening faces the second direction; andwherein soundwaves from the first direction are beamed to the second direction by the plurality of phononic crystals.2. The acoustic structure of claim 1 , wherein the second direction is approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first direction.3. The acoustic structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of phononic crystals are cylindrical phononic crystals.4. The acoustic structure of claim 3 , wherein the internal cavity of the plurality of phononic crystals extends along a length of the cylindrical phononic crystals.5. The acoustic structure of claim 3 , wherein the opening of the plurality of phononic crystals extends along a length of the cylindrical phononic crystals.6. The acoustic structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of phononic crystals are prism phononic crystals.7. The acoustic structure of claim 6 , wherein the internal cavity of the plurality of phononic crystals extends along a length of the prism phononic ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANUFACTURING AN ULTRASOUND PROBE

Systems and methods described herein generally relate to forming a conductive layer of an ultrasound probe. The systems and methods form an ultrasound probe that includes a piezoelectric layer, and first and second matching layers. The first matching layer is interposed between the second matching layer and the piezoelectric layer. The second matching layer formed from a material having a select acoustic impedance from a laser activated molded interconnect device (MID) or a three-dimensional printer. The second matching layer being electrically coupled to the piezoelectric layer. 1. A method , comprising:forming a second matching layer of an ultrasound probe from a material having a select acoustic impedance;activating a bottom surface area of the second matching layer using a laser beam based on a template to form a conductive layer; andelectrically coupling the conductive layer to a piezoelectric layer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material includes Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) claim 1 , a polycarbonate (PC) claim 1 , Polymerization (PA) claim 1 , Polyphthalamide (PPA) claim 1 , Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) claim 1 , Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COP) claim 1 , Polyphenyl Ether (PPE) claim 1 , Liquid-crystal polymer (LCP) claim 1 , Polyethylenimine (PEI) claim 1 , Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) claim 1 , or Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coating the material with a metallic particulate encapsulated with an organic coating such that the laser beam is configured to break down the organic coating to expose the metallic particles.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the material in a container to form a metal layer on the activated bottom surface area claim 1 , wherein the container includes a chemical electrolyte that includes a metal compound.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising adjusting the metal compound within the container based on a predetermined sequence claim 4 , such ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER

An ultrasonic transducer having a transducer element, a housing, a coupling element with a front and a back, wherein the back of the coupling element is acoustically coupled to the top of the transducer element in order to couple the ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer element out to the environment in a transmit mode or in order to pass the ultrasonic waves received from the environment by the coupling element on to the transducer element in a receive mode. The transducer element and the coupling element are arranged in the housing. A first electrode is connected to a contact area formed on the bottom of the transducer element. The transducer element is arranged in a shielding device made of a metallically conductive material, and the opening of the shielding device is covered by a metallic, conductive screen so that the shielding device and the screen form a Faraday cage. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a piezoelectric transducer element with a top and a bottom;a cup-shaped housing with a top and a nearly closed bottom, or a cylindrical housing with an open bottom, wherein an opening is formed at the top;an acoustic decoupling material arranged between the transducer element and the bottom of the housinga coupling element with a front and a back, wherein the back of the coupling element is acoustically coupled to the top of the transducer element to couple ultrasonic waves generated via the transducer element out to an external environment in a transmit mode or to pass the ultrasonic waves received from the external environment by the coupling element to the transducer element in a receive mode, the transducer element and the coupling element being arranged in the housing;a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being connected to a contact area formed on the bottom of the transducer element;a cup-like shielding device made of a metallically conductive material, the transducer element being arranged in the cup-like shielding ...

FREQUENCY STEERED SONAR ARRAY ORIENTATION

A transducer assembly comprises a housing and a plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements. Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water. Each sonar beam is transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal. The frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other. 1. A transducer assembly comprising:a housing including first, second, and third housing sections; anda plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements positioned within the housing, each of the transducer array elements including a plurality of piezoelectric elements, the ends of the frequency steered transducer array elements aligned in an end-to-end configuration, the plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements including a first element positioned with the first housing section, a second element positioned within the second housing section, and a third element positioned with the third housing section, wherein each of the housing sections are sized to the dimensions of the respective frequency steered transducer array elements housed therein,wherein each frequency steered transducer array element is configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water, each sonar beam transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal.2. The transducer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal ...

FREQUENCY STEERED SONAR ARRAY ORIENTATION

A transducer assembly comprises a housing and a plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements. Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water. Each sonar beam is transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal. The frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other. 1. A transducer assembly comprising:a housing; anda plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements positioned within the housing, each of the transducer array elements including a plurality of piezoelectric elements,wherein each frequency steered transducer array element is configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water, each sonar beam transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal,wherein the frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other.2. The transducer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are spaced horizontally apart and rotated vertically at least 15 degrees.3. The transducer assembly of claim 2 , wherein the longitudinal axis of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are spaced ...

ULTRASONIC GENERATOR

According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic generator includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and a drive unit. The ultrasonic transducers each are configured to generate an ultrasonic wave. The drive unit is configured to supply a drive signal generating the ultrasonic wave to each of the ultrasonic transducers, and configured to change phase of the drive signal supplied to a second ultrasonic transducer among the ultrasonic transducers relative to the drive signal supplied to a first ultrasonic transducer among the ultrasonic transducers. The second ultrasonic transducer is located in a position in which a traveling direction of a combined wave front of a first combined wave is aligned with a frontal direction, the first combined wave being formed by combining the ultrasonic waves generated by each of the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer, wherein the position is more frontward in the frontal direction of the first ultrasonic transducer than the first ultrasonic transducer. 1. An ultrasonic generator comprising:a plurality of ultrasonic transducers each configured to generate an ultrasonic wave; anda drive unit configured to supply a drive signal generating the ultrasonic wave to each of the ultrasonic transducers, and configured to change phase of the drive signal supplied to a second ultrasonic transducer among the ultrasonic transducers relative to the drive signal supplied to a first ultrasonic transducer among the ultrasonic transducers, whereinthe second ultrasonic transducer is located in a position in which a traveling direction of a combined wave front of a first combined wave is aligned with a frontal direction, the first combined wave being formed by combining the ultrasonic waves generated by each of the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer, wherein the position is more frontward in the frontal direction of the first ultrasonic transducer than the first ultrasonic transducer.2. The ...

PORTABLE ULTRASOUND IMAGING PROBE INCLUDING A TRANSDUCER ARRAY

A portable ultrasonic imaging probe that is adapted to connect to a host computer via a passive interface cable. The probe includes an array of ultrasound transducers, a high voltage pulser for energizing transducers to emit an ultrasound pulse, analog signal processing circuitry that combines echoes detected by transducers into a single analog echo signal, am analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog echo signal into a digital echo signal; and interface circuitry that transfers the digital echo signal across the passive interface cable to the host computer. 1. A portable ultrasound imaging probe comprising:a probe head mounted on the probe including an array comprising a plurality of ultrasound transmitting ultrasound transducers (Tx transducers) and a plurality of ultrasound receiving ultrasound transducers (Rx transducers);a high voltage (HV) pulser within the probe;an analog summing amplifier within the probe;a plurality of transmit (Tx) switches within the probe, wherein each of the plurality of Tx switches connects the HV pulser and a different one of the plurality of Tx transducers;a plurality of receive (Rx) switches within the probe, wherein each of the plurality of Rx switches connects a different one of the plurality of Rx transducers to the analog summing amplifier;wherein the plurality of Tx switches is not connected to the plurality of Rx transducers, and the plurality of Rx switches is not connected to the plurality of Tx transducers whereby the Rx transducers are never used to emit ultrasound;a controller within the probe and coupled to the plurality of Tx switches and plurality of Rx switches;wherein the controller is configured to selectively close the Tx switches to connect transmit sets of the Tx transducers to the HV pulser including a first transmit set of the transmit sets of the Tx transducers at a first transmit time, a second transmit set of the transmit sets of the Tx transducers at a second transmit time, and a third transmit ...

ACOUSTIC LENS USING EXTRAORDINARY ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION

An acoustic lens or diffractive acoustic device, including but not limited to, a sub-wavelength thickness lens or diffuser, comprising an array of Helmholtz resonators (HRs) that provide perfect or near-perfect sound transmission through a rigid barrier. HRs are arranged in a line or an array confined within a waveguide and oriented so that one neck protrudes onto each side of the barrier. Extraordinary acoustic transmission (EAT) occurs when radiation (such as EM or acoustic radiation) incident on the barrier perforated with sub-wavelength holes is transmitted at a rate higher than expected based on the areal coverage fraction of the holes. Transmission is independent of the direction of sound on the barrier and the relative placement of the necks. 1. An device for modifying radiation , comprising:a plurality of Helmholtz resonators embedded in a barrier with a first side and a second side, each Helmholtz resonator with a resonant frequency;wherein said barrier is opaque to radiation incident on the first side; andwherein the device transmits the majority of the radiation through the plurality of Helmholtz resonators to the other side of the barrier .2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic device is an acoustic lens.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic device is a diffractive acoustic device or diffuser.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the radiation is an acoustic or sound wave.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the device is below the incident radiation's wavelength.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators are configured in a line.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators are configured in a two-dimensional array.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators have the same resonant frequency.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said Helmholtz resonators has a different resonant frequency from the remaining Helmholtz resonators.10. The device of claim 1 , wherein ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION DEVICE

An ultrasonic transducer includes a substrate, a supporting film disposed on the substrate, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the supporting film. The substrate includes an opening. The piezoelectric element is disposed on an area that overlaps the opening in a plan view in a thickness direction of the substrate. A thickness of the supporting film at an area that overlaps the piezoelectric element in a plan view of the supporting film is smaller than a thickness of the supporting film at a different area different from the area that overlaps the piezoelectric element. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a substrate;a supporting film disposed on the substrate; anda piezoelectric element disposed on the supporting film,the substrate including an opening,the piezoelectric element being disposed on an area that overlaps the opening in a plan view in a thickness direction of the substrate,a thickness of the supporting film at an area that overlaps the piezoelectric element in a plan view of the supporting film being smaller than a thickness of the supporting film at a different area different from the area that overlaps the piezoelectric element.2. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1 , whereinthe supporting film at an area that overlaps the opening includes a portion a thickness of which gradually increases as the portion approaches an area in which the supporting film overlaps the substrate in the plan view.3. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1 , whereinthe supporting film includes a surface facing the opening, and the surface has a curved concave surface.4. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1 , whereinthe supporting film at the area that overlaps the opening has a uniform thickness portion a thickness of which is uniform at an outer edge portion of the area that overlaps the opening.5. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 4 , whereinthe uniform thickness portion is arranged along a whole circumference of the area that ...

ULTRASONIC DEVICE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

Provided is an ultrasonic device including: an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that each include a piezoelectric body; an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate; and a support member secured to a surface, opposite to the surface formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, wherein the support member is formed to have a larger area, in plan view in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate, and a higher bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate, and the acoustic lens is formed to have a lower bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate. The above-described ultrasonic device further includes an acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens. 1. An ultrasonic device comprising:an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that each include a piezoelectric body and perform at least one of transmission and reception of ultrasound;an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, the acoustic lens having a lens portion that focuses the ultrasound; anda support member secured to a surface, opposite to the surface formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, whereinthe support member is formed to have a larger area, in plan view in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate, and a higher bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate, andthe acoustic lens is formed to have a lower bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate.2. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1 , further comprising:an acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element ...

DEFORMABLE ULTRASOUND ARRAY AND SYSTEM

Disclosed is an ultrasound array comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements () on a carrier (), said carrier further carrying an actuator arrangement (′) of a material having an adjustable shape in response to an electromagnetic stimulus, e.g. an electro active polymer or optically responsive polymer, wherein the material is arranged to change the orientation of said ultrasound transducer elements in response to said stimulus. This facilitates configurable beam shaping and/or body contour matching with the ultrasound array. An ultrasound system () comprising such an ultrasound array is also disclosed. 1. An ultrasound array comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements on a carrier , said carrier further carrying an actuator arrangement of a material having an adjustable shape in response to an electromagnetic stimulus , the degree of deformation of the material being correlated to the strength of the electromagnetic stimulus , wherein the material is arranged to change the orientation of said ultrasound transducer elements in response to said stimulus , wherein the carrier is a flexible carrier located in between the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements and the actuator arrangement.2. (canceled)3. The ultrasound array of claim 1 , wherein said actuator arrangement is arranged to simultaneously change the orientation of at least a subset of plurality of said ultrasound transducer elements in response to said stimulus.4. The ultrasound array of claim 3 , wherein the actuator arrangement comprises a foil extending over said carrier.5. The ultrasound array of claim 3 , wherein the actuator arrangement comprises a plurality of strips extending over said carrier.6. The ultrasound array of claim 5 , wherein the actuator arrangement further comprises a further plurality of strips extending over said carrier claim 5 , said further plurality of strips running in a perpendicular direction to the plurality of strips to form a mat actuator ...

METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY CONTACTING A PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMIC

A method for electrically contacting a piezoelectric ceramic includes: providing the piezoelectric ceramic having electrodes for electrically contacting the piezoelectric ceramic and having a flexible, electrically conductive film; producing a composite by applying the flexible, electrically conductive film at least partially to an electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic; forming a durable, electrically conductive connection between the flexible, electrically conductive film and the electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic. Also a sound transducer, as well as a sound transducer array produced using the method for electrically contacting a piezoelectric ceramic. 110-. (canceled)11. A method for electrically contacting a piezoelectric ceramic , the method comprising:providing the piezoelectric ceramic having electrodes for electrically contacting the piezoelectric ceramic and having a flexible, electrically conductive film;producing a composite by applying the flexible, electrically conductive film at least partially to an electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic;forming a durable, electrically conductive connection between the flexible, electrically conductive film and the electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic.1210. The method of claim , wherein , to form the composite , a conductive adhesive or a solder paste is applied between the flexible , electrically conductive film and the electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic.1310. The method of claim , wherein , with a thermode , heat and/or pressure is introduced into the composite to produce the durable , electrical connection between the electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic and the flexible , electrical film.14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the thermode has at least one thermode head having at least one arbitrarily shaped contact surface that is subdividable and that introduces heat and/or pressure into the composite.1520244626. The method of claim 13 , wherein the thermode head () includes a heating () for introducing ...

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER, ULTRASOUND PROBE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE ULTRASOUND PROBE

Provided are an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound probe including the ultrasound transducer, and ultrasound diagnostic equipment including the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound transducer includes a piezoelectric unit including a plurality of piezoelectric elements which vibrate to convert ultrasound waves into electrical signals and electrical signals back into ultrasound waves, and a dummy piezoelectric unit which is disposed at edges of the effective piezoelectric unit and includes a plurality of dummy piezoelectric elements which vibrate due to vibration of the piezoelectric unit. 1. An ultrasound transducer comprising:a piezoelectric unit including a plurality of piezoelectric elements which vibrate to convert ultrasound waves into electrical signals and electrical signals back into ultrasound waves; anda dummy piezoelectric unit which is disposed at edges of the piezoelectric unit and includes a plurality of dummy piezoelectric elements which vibrate due to vibration of the piezoelectric unit.2. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric elements have the same shape as the dummy piezoelectric elements.3. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein a kerf between adjacent dummy piezoelectric elements is greater than 0.12 times the wavelength of the ultrasound waves.4. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein a pitch between adjacent dummy piezoelectric elements is greater than 1.5 times the wavelength of the ultrasound waves.5. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a one-dimensional (1D) array claim 1 , and the plurality of dummy elements are arranged in a 1D array with the plurality of piezoelectric elements interposed therebetween.6. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) array claim 1 , and the plurality of dummy elements are arranged in a 2D array that surrounds the plurality of piezoelectric elements.7. The transducer of claim 1 ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE, ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

An ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate in which a first opening and a second opening are provided, a first ultrasonic transducer element that is formed on the substrate in correspondence with the first opening, and a second ultrasonic transducer element that is formed on the substrate in correspondence with the second opening. The first opening has a first edge portion on a first direction side and a second edge portion on a second direction side, the first direction corresponding to a scan direction and the second direction being in the opposite direction to the first direction. Also, the first ultrasonic transducer element includes a first vibrating film that blocks the first opening, and a first piezoelectric layer that is provided on the first vibrating film so as to cover the first edge portion of the first opening in plan view from a thickness direction of the substrate. 1. An ultrasonic transducer device comprising:a substrate in which a first opening and a second opening are provided;a first ultrasonic transducer element that is formed on the substrate in correspondence with the first opening; anda second ultrasonic transducer element that is formed on the substrate in correspondence with the second opening;wherein the first opening has a first edge portion on a first direction side and a second edge portion on a second direction side, the first direction corresponding to a scan direction and the second direction being in the opposite direction to the first direction, andthe first ultrasonic transducer element includes:a first vibrating film that blocks the first opening; anda first piezoelectric layer that is provided on the first vibrating film so as to cover the first edge portion of the first opening in plan view from a thickness direction of the substrate.2. The ultrasonic transducer device according to claim 1 ,wherein the second ultrasonic transducer element includes:a second vibrating film that blocks the second opening; anda second ...

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASOUND ENDOSCOPE

An ultrasound transducer includes: an acoustic matching layer bending with a predetermined curvature; a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed on an inner face on a side of a curvature center of the acoustic matching layer in such a manner that the plurality of piezoelectric elements bend; a plurality of wirings including respective one ends electrically connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, respectively; a substrate to which respective other ends of the plurality of wirings are electrically connected; and a holding member provided on the plurality of wirings at a position partway of the plurality of wirings between the plurality of piezoelectric elements and the substrate, the holding member being configured to hold a pitch of the plurality of wirings so as to be a pitch that is equal to or smaller than a predetermined arrangement pitch of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. 1. An ultrasound transducer comprising:an acoustic matching layer bending with a predetermined curvature;a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed on an inner face on a side of a curvature center of the acoustic matching layer in such a manner that the plurality of piezoelectric elements bend;a plurality of wirings including respective one ends electrically connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, respectively;a substrate to which respective another ends of the plurality of wirings are electrically connected; anda holding member provided on the plurality of wirings at a position partway of the plurality of wirings between the plurality of piezoelectric elements and the substrate, the holding member being configured to hold a pitch of the plurality of wirings so as to be a pitch that is equal to or smaller than the predetermined arrangement pitch of the plurality of piezoelectric elements.2. The ultrasound transducer according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member holds the plurality of wirings to be shifted by ½ of the pitch from the arrangement ...

DEVICE FOR OPTIMIZING THE COMBUSTION OF HYDROCARBONS

A device is described, for optimizing the combustion of hydrocarbons, through induction of vibrations in the particles of fuel, comprising a tubular apparatus inserted in a fuel gas line, between a storage tank and an internal combustion engine; an ultrasound generator comprises a plurality of ultrasound piezoelectric transducers arranged on the tubular apparatus comprised of an internal tube coaxial with respect to an external tube, which supports the piezoelectric transducers, while the internal tube is composed of a series of tube sections made of ferromagnetic material arranged axially with interposed disks made of soft iron. 19-. (canceled)10. A device for optimizing the combustion of hydrocarbons , the device comprising:a) at least one tubular apparatus designed to be inserted in a fuel gas line, between at least one storage tank and at least one internal combustion engine; andb) at least one ultrasound generator to supply a plurality of ultrasound piezoelectric transducers arranged on the tubular apparatus to induce vibrations in fuel particles.11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the tubular apparatus comprises an internal tube coaxial and an external tube claim 10 , wherein the ends of the internal tube and the external tube are delimited by a pair of transverse holed flanges.12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the external tube is adapted to support the plurality of ultrasound piezoelectric transducers.13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the internal tube comprises a series of tube sections made of ferromagnetic material arranged axially with interposed disks made of soft iron claim 11 , the external tube and the pair of transverse holed flanges being made of stainless steel.14. The device of claim 10 , wherein the at least one tubular apparatus is comprised of an internal tube DN80 and an external tube DN125.15. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of ultrasound piezoelectric transducers comprise at least one ultrasound piezoelectric ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER, ULTRASONIC ARRAY, ULTRASONIC MODULE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC APPARATUS

An ultrasonic transducer includes: a flexible film; and a piezoelectric element provided on the flexible film. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric body and a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in contact with the piezoelectric body. The first electrode and the second electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and overlapping each other in plan view. The third electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode and overlapping each other in the plan view. The first electrode and the third electrode are separated from each other in the plan view, and the second electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other in the plan view. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a flexible film; anda piezoelectric element that is provided on the flexible film,wherein the piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric body and a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode that are in contact with the piezoelectric body,wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and overlap each other in plan view when viewed in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric body,wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode and overlap each other in the plan view,wherein the first electrode and the third electrode are separated from each other in the plan view, andwherein the second electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other in the plan view.2. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1 ,wherein the piezoelectric element ...

ULTRASOUND SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF

An ultrasound sensor includes: a diaphragm; a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrodes; and a plurality of piezoelectric layers which is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which, in a Z-direction, a portion in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode are overlapped is referred to as an active portion, and a range to the extent that the diaphragm is oscillatable by driving the active portion is referred to as a movable portion, when a unit including one movable portion and the active portion which is provided within the one movable portion is referred to as one ultrasound element in plan view, two or more types of ultrasound elements in which a dimension of the active portion with respect to a dimension of the movable portion is different from each other in plan view are provided. 1. An ultrasound sensor comprising:a substrate which has at least one opening portion;a diaphragm which is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening portion;a plurality of first electrodes which is provided so as to be opposite to the opening portion of the diaphragm and to be arranged in a Y-direction, and which extends in a X-direction orthogonal to the Y-direction;a plurality of second electrodes which is provided so as to be opposite to the opening portion of the diaphragm and to be arranged in the X-direction, and which extends in the Y-direction; anda plurality of piezoelectric layers which is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode in at least a portion in which the first electrode and the second electrode intersect with each other,wherein, in a Z-direction orthogonal to the X-direction and the Y-direction, a portion in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode are overlapped is referred to as an active portion, and a range to the extent that the diaphragm is oscillatable by driving the active portion is referred to as a movable ...

MULTI-FREQUENCY HYBRID PIEZO ACTUATION AND CAPACTIVE TRANSDUCER

In one embodiment, a transducer comprises a first piezoelectric stack comprising a piezoelectric material; a first layer in contact with the piezoelectric stack; and a base structure beneath the first layer. The first layer has a first displacement between a first portion of the base structure and the first layer, and the first displacement is configurable by a first bias voltage received by the transducer. 1. A transducer , comprising:a first piezoelectric stack comprising a piezoelectric material;a first layer in contact with the piezoelectric stack; and the first layer has a first displacement between a first portion of the base structure and the first layer; and', 'the first displacement is configurable by a first bias voltage received by the transducer., 'a base structure beneath the first layer, wherein2. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein the first displacement is configured such that the first layer contacts the first portion of the base structure when the first bias voltage is received by the transducer.3. The transducer of claim 2 , wherein the first bias voltage is a direct current (“DC”) voltage.4. The transducer of claim 2 , wherein the first bias voltage is the voltage difference between the first layer and the base structure.5. The transducer of claim 2 , wherein the first bias voltage is received by the transducer comprises the first bias voltage is received by the base structure.6. The transducer of claim 2 , wherein the first bias voltage is received by the transducer comprises the first bias voltage is received by the first layer.7. The transducer of claim 2 , wherein the first layer does not contact a second portion of the base structure when the first bias voltage is received by the transducer.8. The transducer of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a top plate and an insulation layer.9. The transducer of claim 8 , wherein the first displacement is configured such that the insulation layer contacts the first portion of the base ...

ULTRASOUND SYSTEM WITH ASYMMETRIC TRANSMIT SIGNALS

An ultrasound system drives the elements of an ultrasound probe with asymmetric transmit signals which reinforce poling of the probe transducer. The use of asymmetric transmit signals enables a transducer element to withstand a significantly higher RF transmit voltage without degradation, which in turn enables higher acoustic output and improved reliability. This is particularly beneficial with single crystal transducer material when used to generate high energy pressure waves of long duration such as shear wave push pulses. 1. An ultrasound system for transmitting ultrasonic energy into a body , the system comprising:an ultrasound probe having an array of ultrasonic transducer elements; anda transmit beamformer having transmit channels coupled to the ultrasonic transducer elements and configured to apply asymmetric transmit signals to the elements during their respective transmit intervals, wherein each transmit channel comprises a hardware addressable memory device or shift register configured to store digital data of transmit signals.2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the transducer elements further comprise piezoelectric ceramic transducer elements.3. The ultrasound system of claim 2 , wherein the piezoelectric ceramic transducer elements further comprise single crystal transducer elements.4. The ultrasound system of claim 3 , wherein the single crystal transducer elements further comprise single crystal PMN-PT claim 3 , PZN-PT claim 3 , or PIN-PMN-PT.5. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , further comprising a T/R switch coupling each transmit channel to a transducer element.6. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , further comprising a probe cable coupling the T/R switches to the transducer elements.7. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer elements further comprise negatively poled transducer elements; andwherein the asymmetric transmit signals exhibit a mean amplitude value which is negative with respect to a zero reference ...

STRUCTURE-BORNE SOUND ACTUATOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to a structure-borne sound actuator for a motor vehicle, which comprises an electro-dynamic excitation unit, and the excitation unit is formed with an excitation side configured to excite an acoustic body, wherein an acoustically rigid intermediate element is secured to the excitation side and the intermediate element has a coupling side, which faces away from the excitation side, and is configured for coupling to the acoustic body. 1. A structure-borne sound actuator for a motor vehicle , which comprises an electro-dynamic excitation unit , and the excitation unit is formed with an excitation side to excite an acoustic body ,characterized in that an acoustically rigid intermediate element is secured to the excitation side and the intermediate element has a coupling side, which faces away from the excitation side and is configured for coupling to the acoustic body, wherein the intermediate element is planar in design and a surface area (of the coupling side is larger than a surface area of the excitation side.2. The structure-borne sound actuator as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate element is designed with an initial tension and the coupling side is curved in the decoupled state.3. The structure-borne sound actuator as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate element has a rectangular centerpiece in the plane of the coupling side and at least two crosspieces spaced apart from each other and leading away from the centerpiece.4. The structure-borne sound actuator as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate element has at least two rods directed away from the excitation side of the excitation unit claim 1 , and the coupling side is formed only by ends of the rods directed away from the excitation side.5. The structure-borne sound actuator as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate element is designed with at least two material layers evenly spaced apart from the ...

Driving Techniques for Phased-Array Systems

Various techniques for driving phased array systems are described, specifically intended for acoustic phased arrays with applications to mid-air haptics, parametric audio, acoustic levitation and acoustic imaging, including a system: 1) that is capable of mitigating the effect of the changes in the air to provide a consistent haptic experience; 2) that produces trap points in air; 3) that defines phased-array optimization in terms of vectors for the production of more consistent haptic effects; 4) that defines one or more control points or regions in space via a controlled acoustic field; 5) that uses a reduced representation method for the construction of acoustic basis functions; 6) that performs efficient evaluation of complex-valued functions for a large quantity of throughput; 7) that generates a Krylov sub-space of a matrix; and 8) that maximizes an objective described by different control points and/or regions to those used to create the acoustic basis functions. 12-. (canceled)3. A method comprising:i) producing an acoustic field from a phased-transducer array having known relative positions and orientations;ii) defining a plurality of control points, wherein each of the plurality of control points has a known spatial relationship relative to the phased-transducer array; andiii) optimizing a substantial creation of desired field values in a known direction in a physical field of a quantity generated by the phased-transducer array, wherein the quantity is a vector quantity.4. The method as in claim 3 , further comprising:generating a further optimization matrix using a sum of eigensystems.5. The method as in claim 3 , further comprising:generating a further optimization matrix using at least one null point in at least one field.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the desired field values substantially describes a velocity of a particle at a known point in a host medium.7. The method of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the desired field values ...

Implantable Bio-Heating System Based on Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers

Implantable bio-heating and intrabody communication systems use arrays of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) to provide ultrasound-based diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Systems involving one or more pMUT arrays can be implanted into the body or integrating into smart ingestible pills to enable monitoring of a medical condition and/or continuous or intermittent application of hyperthermia and other treatments. 1. A system for ultrasonically heating biological tissue , comprising: a substrate, and', 'an array of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) supported on the substrate; and, "a device implantable in a subject's body, the device comprising:"}a controller operative to control the array to emit and focus ultrasound transmissions at biological tissue in the body to heat the biological tissue.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of said pMUTs comprises a layer of piezoelectric material sandwiched between two electrode layers claim 1 , and wherein the substrate comprises an insulating layer between a base layer and one of the electrode layers.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein each of the piezoelectric material layer and the insulating layer has a thickness from about 200 nm to about 5000 nm.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the base layer comprises silicon claim 2 , the insulating layer comprises silicon dioxide claim 2 , the electrode layers comprise gold or platinum claim 2 , and the piezoelectric layer comprises aluminum nitride claim 2 , scandium doped aluminum nitride claim 2 , lithium niobate claim 2 , or a combination thereof.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each pMUT of the array is independently addressable by the controller claim 1 , and wherein the controller is operative to determine a focal point of ultrasound transmissions from the array by providing a time delay to an AC voltage applied to each pMUT of the array.6. The system of comprising two or more of said arrays claim 1 , wherein ...

Curved Piezoelectric Transducers and Methods of Making and Using the Same

Curved piezoelectric transducers are provided. The curved piezoelectric transducer includes a substrate, a curved support layer having a peripheral portion in contact with the substrate, and a curved piezoelectric element disposed on the curved support layer. Methods of making the curved piezoelectric transducers are also provided. The curved piezoelectric transducers, devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, including devices, such as electronics devices, having one or more (e.g., an array) of the curved piezoelectric transducers on a substrate. 1. A curved piezoelectric transducer comprising:a substrate;a curved support layer comprising a peripheral portion in contact with the substrate; anda curved piezoelectric element disposed on the curved support layer.2. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises an opening through the substrate and a portion of the curved support layer is exposed through the opening.3. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 2 , wherein the curved support layer is suspended over the substrate by the peripheral portion.4. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 1 , wherein the curved piezoelectric transducer has a concave shape or a convex shape.5. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 1 , wherein the curved support layer is formed from a support layer comprising a central portion having residual stress and the peripheral portion claim 1 , wherein the peripheral portion has residual stress.6. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 1 , wherein the central portion has residual tensile stress and the peripheral portion has residual compressive stress claim 1 , or wherein the central portion has residual compressive stress and the peripheral portion has residual tensile stress.7. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 5 , wherein the central portion of the support layer comprises a CMOS-compatible metal.8. The curved piezoelectric transducer of claim 5 , wherein ...

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE THICKNESS DEMATCHING LAYER

An ultrasound transducer and an ultrasound imaging system including an acoustic layer with a plurality of transducer elements and a dematching layer coupled to the acoustic layer. The dematching layer has an acoustic impedance greater than the acoustic layer and the dematching layer has a thickness that varies in order to alter a bandwidth of the ultrasound probe. 1. An ultrasound transducer comprising:an acoustic layer including a plurality of transducer elements; anda dematching layer coupled to the acoustic layer, the dematching layer having an acoustic impedance greater than an acoustic impedance of the acoustic layer, the dematching layer having a thickness that varies in order to alter a bandwidth of the ultrasound transducer.2. The ultrasound transducer of claim 1 , wherein the dematching layer comprises a shape with a length direction and a width direction claim 1 , wherein the dematching layer is longer in the length direction than the width direction claim 1 , and wherein the thickness varies along the width direction.3. The ultrasound transducer of claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the dematching layer is less at a center than at an edge in the width direction.4. The ultrasound transducer of claim 3 , wherein the thickness of the dematching layer varies according to a step function along the width direction.5. The ultrasound transducer of claim 3 , wherein the dematching layer includes a front side adjacent to the acoustic layer and a backside opposite of the acoustic layer claim 3 , and wherein the front side defines surface that is a uniform distance from the acoustic layer.6. The ultrasound transducer of claim 3 , wherein the backside of the dematching layer defines a concave surface.7. The ultrasound transducer of claim 6 , wherein the backside of the dematching layer defines a concave surface with a fixed radius of curvature in the width direction.8. The ultrasound transducer of claim 7 , wherein the fixed radius of curvature is between 10 cm and 50 ...

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE THICKNESS DEMATCHING LAYER

An ultrasound transducer and an ultrasound imaging system including an acoustic layer with a plurality of transducer elements and a dematching layer coupled to the acoustic layer. The dematching layer has an acoustic impedance greater than the acoustic layer and the dematching layer has a thickness that varies in order to alter a bandwidth of the ultrasound probe. 1. An ultrasound transducer comprising:an acoustic layer including a plurality of transducer elements; anda dematching layer coupled to the acoustic layer, the dematching layer comprising a front side adjacent to the acoustic layer and a backside opposite of the acoustic layer, the dematching layer having a greater acoustic impedance than the acoustic layer, the dematching layer having a thickness that varies in order to alter a bandwidth of the ultrasound transducer, wherein the front side of the dematching layer defines a curved surface.2. The ultrasound transducer of claim 1 , wherein the backside of the dematching layer defines a substantially flat surface.3. The ultrasound transducer of claim 1 , wherein the backside of the dematching layer defines a second curved surface.4. The ultrasound transducer of claim 1 , wherein the curved surface comprises a convex surface claim 1 , and wherein the acoustic layer is curved to match the convex surface.5. The ultrasound transducer of claim 1 , wherein the curved surface comprises a concave surface and the acoustic layer is curved to match the concave surface claim 1 , and wherein the dematching layer and the acoustic layer provides a focusing effect for the ultrasound transducer.6. The ultrasound transducer of claim 5 , wherein the ultrasound transducer does not include a lens.7. The ultrasound transducer of claim 5 , further comprising a lens and one or more matching layers claim 5 , wherein the one or more matching layers are attached to the acoustic layer and the lens is attached to the one or more matching layers claim 5 , wherein the lens comprises a ...

PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE FOR ULTRASONIC SENSOR

A piezoelectric device includes a substrate with a cavity, a vibrating plate which is provided on the substrate so as to block an opening surface of the cavity, and a piezoelectric element which is provided on a surface of the vibrating plate opposite to the cavity, including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, in which the second electrode has a laminated structure including a Pt layer (lower layer side electrode) and an Ir layer (upper layer side electrode), in which the Pt layer is in contact with the piezoelectric layer, and in which, if it is assumed that two directions which are parallel to a surface of the substrate and mutually perpendicular are defined as an X direction and a Y direction, the Ir layer is extended to an outside of the cavity at least in the X direction on an X-Y plane view. 1. A piezoelectric device for an ultrasonic sensor comprising:a substrate with a cavity;a vibrating plate which is provided on the substrate so as to block an opening surface of the cavity; anda piezoelectric element which is provided on a surface of the vibrating plate opposite to the cavity, including a first electrode a piezoelectric layer which is provided on the first electrode, and a second electrode which is provided on the piezoelectric layer,wherein the second electrode has a laminated structure including a platinum layer and an iridium layer,wherein the platinum layer is in contact with the piezoelectric layer, andwherein, if it is assumed that two directions which are parallel to a surface of the substrate and mutually perpendicular are defined as an X direction and a Y direction, the iridium layer is extended to an outside of the piezoelectric element and the cavity at least in the X direction on an X-Y plane view.2. The piezoelectric device for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein the piezoelectric layer is present in the cavity, andwherein the platinum layer is present only on the piezoelectric layer in the X ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING FOCUSED ULTRASONIC WAVES WITH SURFACE MODULATION

The invention relates to a method for generating ultrasonic waves focused on a focal zone () in order to carry out biological lesions, comprising the activation of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements (). According to the invention: a target zone, in which homogenization of the supply of energy of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducer elements is desired, is chosen, the focusing effect and the acoustic attenuations of the ultrasonic waves on their path between the target zone and the ultrasonic transducer elements () are determined, the focusing effect and the acoustic attenuations of the ultrasonic waves are compensated, with ultrasonic transducer elements () at least some of which have non-identical emission surfaces such that in the target zone, the supply of energy of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the different ultrasonic transducer elements () is more or less identical. 1. A method for generating focused ultrasonic waves over a focal zone to produce biological lesions comprising an activation of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements distributed over an emission surface to respectively emit a plurality of focused ultrasonic waves in the focal zone , while crossing through propagation media at different acoustic attenuations , the method comprising:choosing a target zone in which homogenization of contributions of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements during said activation is desired;calculating a pressure in the target zone by determining a focal effect and acoustic attenuations of the ultrasonic waves on paths of the ultrasonic waves between the target zone and the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements;during at least one activation period, compensating the focal effect and the acoustic attenuations of the ultrasonic waves with the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements have non-identical emission ...

Ultrasonic Transducer and Method of Fabricating an Ultrasonic Transducer

An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a delay line;a piezoelectric element;an interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and the piezoelectric element wherein the delay line and the piezoelectric element are configured to couple ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the piezoelectric element;a via formed in the piezoelectric element and the interposing metal conductive layer, the via exposing a portion of the interposing metal conductive layer; anda first patterned electrode making electrical contact between the exposed portion of the interposing metal conductive layer and a surface of the piezoelectric element to allow an external electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the via tapers to a depth.3. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the via extends into the delay line.4. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the via extends annularly and includes two side walls extending ...

Ultrasonic Sensor

An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate in which an opening is formed; a vibration plate that is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening; and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the opening of the vibration plate, in which when a direction in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked is a Z direction, and a portion that is completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction is an active portion, a plurality of active portions are provided so as to face the each opening, and a columnar member is provided between the adjacent active portions. 1a substrate having at least one opening;a vibration plate provided on the substrate so as to block the at least one opening; anda piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the vibration plate than the at least one opening,wherein the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked in a Z direction,an active portion of the piezoelectric element is defined by being completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction,a plurality of active portions are provided so as to individually face each opening in the substrate, anda columnar member is provided between adjacent active portions.. An ultrasonic sensor comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/966,632, filed Apr. 30, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/641,752, filed Mar. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,987,663, issued Jun. 5, 2018, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-046778, filed Mar. 10, 2014, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-037069, filed Feb. 26, 2015, all of ...

Matching member and ultrasound probe including the same

Provided are a matching member and an ultrasound probe including the matching member. The ultrasound probe includes a piezoelectric layer for converting an ultrasound wave to an electric signal or an electric signal to an ultrasound wave; and a matching layer disposed on the piezoelectric layer and having a particle-in-binder (PIB) structure in which a plurality of conductive particles and a binder are mixed, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductive particles includes: a core; and a shield formed of a different material than that of the core and surrounding a surface of the core.

SONIC TESTING METHOD, APPARATUS AND APPLICATIONS

A system, comprising: (i) an interposer layer; (ii) a circuit layer positioned on the interposer layer and comprising a plurality of sonically-enabled pads; and (iii) an interrogator layer positioned on the circuit layer and comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to sonically interrogate the circuit layer; wherein the sonically-enabled pads are configured to generate an electrical signal in response to sonic interrogation from the interrogator layer, if the sonically-enabled pad is functional. 1. A system , comprising:an interposer layer;a circuit layer positioned on the interposer layer and comprising a plurality of sonically-enabled pads; andan interrogator layer positioned on the circuit layer and comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to sonically interrogate the circuit layer;wherein the sonically-enabled pads are configured to generate an electrical signal in response to sonic interrogation from the interrogator layer, if the sonically-enabled pad is functional.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are aluminum nitride piezoelectric transducers.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interrogator layer is configured to test one or more of the plurality of sonically-enabled pads by sonically interrogating the circuit layer.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interrogator layer is configured to monitor one or more of the plurality of sonically-enabled pads by sonically interrogating the circuit layer.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers form a phased array.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of pads comprise a sonically-enabled test point.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sonically enabled pads comprise integrated circuitry.8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sonic interrogator is attached to the circuit layer using a thin-film attachment.9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE, PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

An ultrasonic transducer device includes a base, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a conductive body and an insulating film. The base has a plurality of vibrating film portions arranged in an array pattern. The piezoelectric elements are respectively disposed on the vibrating film portions. The conductive body is disposed on the base, and arranged inside and outside of an area corresponding to each of the vibrating film portions in a plan view as viewed along a thickness direction of the base. The insulating film is disposed on the conductive body only at outside of the area corresponding to each of the vibrating film portions in the plan view. 1. An ultrasonic transducer device comprising:a base having a plurality of vibrating film portions arranged in an array pattern;a plurality of piezoelectric elements respectively disposed on the vibrating film portions;a conductive body disposed on the base, and arranged inside and outside of an area corresponding to each of the vibrating film portions in a plan view as viewed along a thickness direction of the base;a first insulating film disposed on the conductive body only at outside of the area corresponding to each of the vibrating film portions in the plan view; anda second insulating film having a film thickness smaller than a film thickness of the first insulating film, and disposed at least partially on each of the piezoelectric elements and only at inside of the area corresponding to each of the vibrating film portions in the plan view.2. The ultrasonic transducer device according to claim 1 , further comprisinga third insulating film having a film thickness smaller than the film thickness of the second insulating film, and connected to the first insulating film and the second insulating film.3. The ultrasonic transducer device according to claim 1 , wherein a first electrode disposed on the vibrating film portion,', 'a piezoelectric film covering at least a portion of the first electrode, and', 'a second ...

Conical ultrasonic probe

An array of ultrasonic transducers in a conical formation emits pulses of ultrasonic simultaneously so that an anomaly of any orientation in a test object can be detected efficiently.

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASONIC PROBE INCLUDING THE SAME

An ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic probe including the same are provided. The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric layer configured to convert an electric signal and an ultrasound into each other, and a dematching layer having a uniform thickness, the dematching layer being arranged on a partial region of the piezoelectric layer and configured to reflect the second ultrasound wave that is incident on the dematching layer. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a piezoelectric layer configured to convert an electric signal and an ultrasound into each other; anda dematching layer having a uniform thickness, the dematching layer being arranged on a partial region of the piezoelectric layer and configured to reflect the second ultrasound wave that is incident on the dematching layer.2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric layer comprises a groove.3. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 2 , wherein the dematching layer is arranged in the groove.4. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the dematching layer is symmetric about a central axis of the ultrasonic transducer.5. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric layer comprises:a first piezoelectric layer that has a first thickness and does not overlap the dematching layer; anda second piezoelectric layer that has a second thickness and overlaps the dematching layer.6. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 5 , wherein the first and second thicknesses are uniform.7. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 5 , wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.8. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 5 , wherein a sum of a thickness of the dematching layer and a thickness of the second piezoelectric layer is equal to or less than a thickness of the first piezoelectric layer.9. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 5 , wherein a ratio between the first thickness and the second thickness is equal to or greater than a multiple of ¼ of a wavelength of ...

PHASED ARRAY ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS WITH SOLDERLESS STACK BONDING ASSEMBLY

Disclosed is an NDT/NDI probe array and manufacturing method. The probe array includes a sheet of flexible circuit with a plurality of lower pins and corresponding, electrically connected, upper pins The probe further comprises a backing block a layer of piezoelectric ceramic having a plurality of conductive elements a matching layer and a frame An adhesive material such as epoxy is applied to the circuit, the backing, the ceramic and the matching layer, and all are aligned and stack pressed at least partially into the frame and permanently bonded in such a fashion that each of the lower pins of the flexible circuit is firmly and permanently in contact with a corresponding one of the conductive elements of the ceramic. 2. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material contains at least an epoxy kind of material.3. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the backing block is in a shape of a polygonal prism in which the backing top and the backing bottom have a polygonal shape claim 1 , and a cross-section of the frame in a plane parallel to the backing bottom has substantially the same polygonal shape as the shape of the backing bottom or the backing top.4. The probe of claim 3 , wherein prior to being stack pressed claim 3 , a portion of the plurality of pins at the first connecting edge extruding below the backing bottom forms lower pins claim 3 , and the lower pins bend towards the backing bottom while being stack pressed.5. The probe of claim 4 , wherein the lower pins are sandwiched between the backing bottom and the ceramic after being stack pressed.6. The probe of claim 4 , wherein the lower pins form at least one line along the first connecting edge and the conductive elements form a corresponding at least one line along the second connecting edge claim 4 , wherein the at least one line can be along any number of sides of the polygonal shape of the backing bottom.7. The probe of claim 4 , wherein the lower pins end at uneven length and the conductive elements ...

NON-RECTANGULAR TRANSDUCER ARRAYS AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

The present disclosure advantageously describes ultrasound imaging arrays that comprise ergonomic, non-rectangular shapes, as well as associated systems and methods. Non-rectangular transducer arrays allow for ergonomic probe shapes that improve patient comfort, maneuverability of the ultrasound device, and operator workflow. For example, an ultrasound imaging device can include an array of acoustic elements comprising a non-rectangular perimeter. The array includes a plurality of active elements configured to emit ultrasound energy and receive echoes corresponding to the emitted ultrasound energy, and a plurality of buffer elements surrounding the plurality of active elements at the non-rectangular perimeter of the array of acoustic elements. An edge seal comprising a sealing material is positioned at least partially around the plurality of buffer elements, and a buffer element of the plurality of buffer elements is spaced from at least one other buffer element by the sealing material of the edge seal. 1. An ultrasound imaging device , comprising: a plurality of active elements configured to emit ultrasound energy and receive echoes corresponding to the emitted ultrasound energy; and', 'a plurality of buffer elements surrounding the plurality of active elements at the non-rectangular perimeter of the array of acoustic elements; and, 'an array of acoustic elements comprising a non-rectangular perimeter, wherein the array of acoustic elements further comprisesan edge seal comprising a sealing material positioned at least partially around the plurality of buffer elements,wherein a buffer element of the plurality of buffer elements is spaced from at least one other buffer element by the sealing material of the edge seal.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the non-rectangular perimeter comprises a curved segment.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the non-rectangular perimeter comprises a polygon.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein each buffer element of a first portion of ...

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION PROBE ASSEMBLY

An ultrasonic inspection probe assembly includes a flexible ultrasonic transducer array located between a backing block and a face layer. The flexible ultrasonic transducer array can be located in the opening of a flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame. 1. An ultrasonic inspection probe assembly comprising:a backing block;a face layer;a flexible ultrasonic transducer array located between the backing block and the face layer; anda flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame located between the backing block and the face layer, the flexible transducer array frame comprising an opening,wherein the opening of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame surrounds the flexible ultrasonic transducer array.2. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array claim 1 , and the flexible ultrasonic transducer are bonded to the backing block and the face layer with an epoxy to form an acoustic stack.3. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is a linear phased array.4. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is a matrix phased array.5. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is formed from a piezo-ceramic material.6. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame comprises spring steel.7. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is the same as a thickness of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame.8. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible ultrasonic transducer array frame is flexed in an original position when no forces are applied to the ultrasonic inspection probe assembly.9. The ultrasonic inspection probe assembly of claim 8 , wherein the flexible ...

ULTRASONIC ARRAY OSCILLATOR, METHOD OF PRODUCING ULTRASONIC ARRAY OSCILLATOR, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

[Object] To provide an ultrasonic array oscillator, a method of producing an ultrasonic array oscillator, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a high impedance matching effect and excellent productivity. [Solving Means] The ultrasonic array oscillator according to the present technology includes ultrasonic oscillators () and semiconductor chips (). The ultrasonic oscillators () form an array. The semiconductor chips () are bonded to the respective ultrasonic oscillators () to form impedance matching circuits. 1. An ultrasonic array oscillator , comprising:ultrasonic oscillators that form an array; andsemiconductor chips bonded to the respective ultrasonic oscillators that form impedance matching circuits.2. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 1 , whereineach of the impedance matching circuits includes an amplifier and a TR (transmit-receive) switch.3. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 2 , whereineach of the semiconductor chips includes a first semiconductor chip including the amplifier and a second semiconductor chip including the TR switch.4. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 1 , whereineach of the semiconductor chips is an SOI (Silicon on Insulator) chip.5. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 1 , whereinthe ultrasonic oscillators include first ultrasonic oscillators each having a first frequency as a center frequency of oscillation and second ultrasonic oscillators each having a second frequency different from the first frequency as a center frequency of oscillation.6. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 1 , further comprising:MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), the MEMS and the ultrasonic oscillators forming the array.7. The ultrasonic array oscillator according to claim 1 , further comprising:optical devices, the optical devices and the ultrasonic oscillators forming the array.8. A method of producing an ultrasonic array oscillator claim 1 , ...

ULTRASOUND PROBE

Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a first assembly having a first case, a second assembly coupled with the first assembly, having a second case, and configured to be rotatable between a first position of being unfolded with respect to the first assembly and a second position of being folded on the first assembly, a first acoustic module disposed in the inside of the first case, a second acoustic module disposed in the inside of the second case, and a first space reducing portion disposed in at least one of a portion of the first case toward the second assembly and a portion of the second case toward the first assembly, and configured to reduce a space between the first acoustic module and the second acoustic module when the second assembly is at the first position. 1. An ultrasound probe comprising:a first assembly having a first case;a second assembly coupled with the first assembly, having a second case, and configured to be rotatable between a first position of being unfolded with respect to the first assembly and a second position of being folded on the first assembly;a first acoustic module disposed in the inside of the first case;a second acoustic module disposed in the inside of the second case; anda first space reducing portion disposed in at least one of a portion of the first case toward the second assembly and a portion of the second case toward the first assembly, and configured to reduce a space between the first acoustic module and the second acoustic module when the second assembly is at the first position.2. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , wherein when the first space reducing portion is disposed in the first case claim 1 , the first space reducing portion has a thinner thickness than the other portion of the first case claim 1 , andwhen the first space reducing portion is disposed in the second case, the first space reducing portion has a thinner thickness than the other portion of the second case.3. ...

ULTRASOUND PROBE WITH THERMAL AND DROP IMPACT MANAGEMENT

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for conducting heat from an ultrasound transducer and reducing drop impact forces are disclosed. A thermal management system including a thermally conductive compliant component in an ultrasound probe is disclosed. The thermal management system may include thermally conductive compliant component coupled to a transducer assembly. A printed circuit assembly (PCA) may be coupled to the compliant component. The thermally compliant component may conduct heat from the transducer assembly to the PCA. The PCA may be further coupled to a cable that may conduct heat from the PCA and away from the ultrasound probe. 1. An ultrasound probe , comprising: a lens;', 'a transducer stack coupled to the lens, and', 'a backing subassembly coupled to a side of the transducer stack opposite the lens,, 'a transducer assembly at a distal end of the probe, the transducer assembly comprisinga printed circuit assembly (PCA) spaced from and coupled to the transducer assembly;a housing enclosing the PCA and at least a portion of the transducer assembly, wherein the housing defines an opening at the distal end of the probe to expose at least a portion of the lens through the opening; anda thermally conductive compliant component disposed between the transducer assembly and the PCA and coupling the transducer assembly to the PCA, wherein the thermally conductive compliant component is configured to bias the transducer assembly away from the PCA towards the opening in the housing.2. The ultrasound probe of claim 1 , wherein the thermally conductive compliant component comprises a spring having a first end connected to a distal portion of the PCA and a second end connected to a proximal portion of the backing subassembly.3. The ultrasound probe of claim 2 , wherein the spring comprises a S-shaped strip of metal.4. The ultrasound probe of claim 3 , wherein the first end of the S-shaped strip of metal comprises a pair of flanges claim 3 , each disposed on an ...

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate in which an opening is formed; a vibration plate that is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening; and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the opening of the vibration plate, in which when a direction in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked is a Z direction, and a portion that is completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction is an active portion, a plurality of active portions are provided so as to face the each opening, and a columnar member is provided between the adjacent active portions. 1. An ultrasonic sensor comprising:a substrate having at least one opening;a vibration plate provided on the substrate so as to block the at least one opening; anda piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the vibration plate than the at least one opening,wherein the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked in a Z direction,an active portion of the piezoelectric element is defined by being completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction,a plurality of active portions are provided so as to individually face each opening in the substrate, anda columnar member is provided between adjacent active portions.2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein the columnar member is provided on a piezoelectric element side of the substrate.3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein a total area of the plurality of active portions disposed to face each opening in a plan view occupies 60% to 80% of an area of each opening.4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 ,wherein an X direction and a Y ...

CMUT ASSEMBLY WITH ACOUSTIC WINDOW

In some examples, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) apparatus includes one or more CMUTs formed on a CMUT substrate to have an operational direction facing away from the CMUT substrate. A first layer of a first material is disposed over the one or more CMUTs for passing acoustic energy to or from the one or more CMUTs in the operational direction. The first layer may be a solid, liquid, gel, or colloid. Further, a second layer of a second material may be disposed over the first layer and may be a different material from the first material. In some cases, the second layer may be a solid with an inner surface having a curvature facing the first layer. Additionally, or alternatively, in some cases, the acoustic impedance of the first material and the second material may be between 1 and 2 MRayl. 1. A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) apparatus comprising:one or more CMUTs;an acoustic window; anda coupling medium to couple an acoustic wave between the CMUT and the acoustic window, wherein the acoustic window includes an inner surface facing the coupling medium, the inner surface having a curvature.2. The CMUT apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein the curvature of the inner surface of the acoustic widow is different from a curvature of an outer surface the acoustic window.3. The CMUT apparatus as recited in claim 2 , wherein:the curvature of the inner surface of the acoustic window facing the one or more CMUTs is concave; andthe curvature of the outer surface of the acoustic window facing away from the one or more CMUTs is convex.4. The CMUT apparatus as recited in claim 2 , wherein:the curvature of the inner surface of the acoustic window facing the one or more CMUTs is convex; andthe curvature of the outer surface of the acoustic window facing away from the one or more CMUTs is convex.5. The CMUT apparatus as recited in claim 2 , wherein:the curvature of the inner surface of the acoustic window facing the one or more CMUTs ...

PIEZOELECTRIC MICROMECHANICAL ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS AND TRANSDUCER ARRAYS

An apparatus may include one or more segmented piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) elements. Each segmented PMUT element may include a substrate, an anchor structure disposed on the substrate and a membrane disposed proximate the anchor structure. The membrane may include a piezoelectric layer stack and a mechanical layer. The anchor structure may include boundary portions that divide the segmented PMUT element into segments. Each segment may have a corresponding segment cavity. The boundary portions may correspond to nodal lines of the entire membrane. The membrane may include a membrane segment disposed proximate each segment cavity. The membrane may be configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the segmented PMUT element receives or transmits signals. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a substrate;', 'an anchor structure disposed on the substrate;', the anchor structure includes boundary portions that divide the segmented PMUT element into segments, each segment having a corresponding segment cavity;', 'the membrane including a membrane segment disposed proximate each segment cavity; and', 'the membrane is configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the segmented PMUT element receives or transmits ultrasonic signals., 'a membrane disposed proximate the anchor structure, the membrane including a piezoelectric layer stack and a mechanical layer, wherein], 'a segmented piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) element that includes2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the boundary portions correspond to nodal lines of the membrane.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the boundary portions correspond to nodal lines of first-order modes claim 1 , second-order modes or higher-order modes of the membrane.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the membrane segments are configured to resonate at frequencies that correspond with the first-order modes claim 3 , second-order modes or ...

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate on which an opening portion is formed; a vibration plate that is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening portion; and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the opening portion of the vibration plate, in which when a direction in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked is set to be a Z direction, and a portion that is completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction is set to be an active portion, the plural active portions are provided so as to face the one opening portion, and a suppressing portion (column portion) that suppresses vibrations of the vibration plate is provided between the adjacent active portions. 19-. (canceled)10. An ultrasonic sensor comprising:a substrate having an opening;a vibration plate provided on the substrate so as to block the opening; anda piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the vibration plate than the opening,wherein the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked in a Z direction,an active portion of the piezoelectric element is defined by being completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction,plural active portions are provided so as to face a single opening portion, anda suppressing member that suppresses vibrations of the vibration plate is provided between adjacent active portions.11. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 10 ,wherein the suppressing member is provided on a piezoelectric element side of the substrate.12. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 10 ,wherein a total area of the plural active portions disposed to face the single opening portion in a ...

PROBE ASSEMBLY HAVING CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH WIRE PAIRS

Probe assembly includes an ultrasound probe and a cable assembly configured to communicatively couple the ultrasound probe to a control system and transmit signals therethrough. The cable assembly includes a cable jacket surrounding a channel of the cable assembly. The cable assembly also includes a plurality of wire pairs extending through the channel. The channel being sized and shaped to permit the wire pairs to move relative to one another within the channel when the probe assembly is moved. The wire pairs and the channel are configured to have a designated pack ratio (Area/Area). The Areaincludes a collective cross-sectional area of the wire pairs, and the Areais equal to a cross-sectional area of the channel. 1. A probe assembly comprising:an ultrasound probe; and a cable jacket surrounding a channel of the cable assembly; and', {'sup': WPS', 'C', 'WPS', 'C, 'at least 32 wire pairs extending through the channel, the channel being sized and shaped to permit the wire pairs to move relative to one another within the channel when the probe assembly is moved, the channel being an available space through which the wire pairs and other longitudinal elements, if any, are permitted to extend through during operation of the probe assembly, the wire pairs and the channel being configured to have a designated pack ratio (Area/Area), wherein the Areaincludes a collective cross-sectional area of the wire pairs and the longitudinal elements, if any, extending through the channel, and wherein the Areais equal to a cross-sectional area of the channel, the designated pack ratio being between 0.20 and 0.75.'}], 'a cable assembly configured to communicatively couple the ultrasound probe to a control system and transmit analog signals therethrough, the cable assembly comprising2. The probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wire pairs include first twisted pairs and second twisted pairs claim 1 , each of the first twisted pairs being twisted in a first direction about a central ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND ULTRASONIC PROBE

An ultrasonic transducer according to an embodiment includes a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a base layer, and a substrate. The first electrode is disposed in a front side of the piezoelectric layer and extends along a first direction. The second electrode is disposed in a back side of the piezoelectric layer and extends along a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The base layer is disposed in a back side of the second electrode. The substrate is disposed in a back side of the base layer. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode includes an overlap portion where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other when viewed from the front side of the piezoelectric layer. The substrate is provided with a cavity on a back side of the overlap portion on each of the first electrode and the second electrode. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode has the width of the overlap portion that is larger than the width of a peripheral portion of the overlap portion. 1. An ultrasonic transducer comprising:a piezoelectric layer;a first electrode that is positioned in a front side of the piezoelectric layer and extends along a first direction;a second electrode that is positioned in a back side of the piezoelectric layer and extends along a second direction intersecting with the first direction;a base layer that is positioned in a back side of the second electrode; anda substrate that is positioned in a back side of the base layer, whereineach of the first electrode and the second electrode includes an overlap portion where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other when viewed from the front side of the piezoelectric layer,the substrate is provided with a cavity in a back side of the overlap portion on each of the first electrode and the second electrode, andeach of the first electrode and the second electrode has a width of the overlap portion that is larger than a width ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ELEMENT CHIP, PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

An ultrasonic transducer element chip includes a substrate defining an opening, an ultrasonic transducer element disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in a thickness direction of the substrate, and a reinforcing member connected to the substrate to cover the opening. The reinforcing member defines a ventilation passage from the opening to an outside of the substrate. 1. An ultrasonic transducer element chip comprising:a substrate defining an opening;an ultrasonic transducer element disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in a thickness direction of the substrate; anda reinforcing member connected to the substrate to cover the opening, the reinforcing member defining a ventilation passage from the opening to an outside of the substrate.2. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 1 , whereinthe reinforcing member includes a first surface facing the substrate and defining a groove part that serves as the ventilation passage.3. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 1 , whereinthe substrate defines an additional opening with an additional ultrasonic transducer element being disposed at a position corresponding to the additional opening in the thickness direction of the substrate.4. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 3 , whereinthe reinforcing member defines the ventilation passage that is communicated with both the opening and the additional opening.5. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 3 , whereinthe reinforcing member is bonded to a partition wall section of the substrate between the opening and the additional opening.6. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 1 , whereinat least a portion of one of the substrate and the reinforcing member is made of a porous material, andthe ventilation passage includes a plurality of pores of the porous material.7. The ultrasonic transducer element chip according to claim 1 , whereinthe substrate is disposed ...

ULTRASONIC DEVICE UNIT, PROBE, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING DEVICE

An ultrasonic device unit includes a substrate having a planar part and a recess part recessed from the planar part, an ultrasonic device which has an element array including a plurality of thin film ultrasonic transducer elements disposed in an array and is disposed in the recess part, a first flexible printed board, one end of which is superimposed on a portion of an array surface of the ultrasonic device and connected to the same, the other end of which is superimposed on a portion of the planar part and connected to the same, wherein the array surface of the ultrasonic device which the one end of the first flexible printed board is superimposed on is positioned within a plane including the planar part or a plane outside of the recess part. 1. An ultrasonic device unit comprising:a substrate having a planar part and a recess part recessed from the planar part,an ultrasonic device which has an element array including a plurality of thin film ultrasonic transducer elements disposed in an array and is disposed in the recess part,a first flexible printed board, one end of which is superimposed on a portion of an array surface of the ultrasonic device and connected to the same, the other end of which is superimposed on a portion of the planar part and connected to the same,wherein the array surface of the ultrasonic device which the one end of the first flexible printed board is superimposed on is positioned within a plane including the planar part or a plane outside of the recess part.2. The ultrasonic device unit according to claim 1 , wherein a terminal connected to a terminal on the first flexible printed board is disposed in the planar part of the substrate claim 1 , wherein the recess part has two mutually intersecting perpendicular surfaces at its lateral surfaces claim 1 , and wherein the ultrasonic device abuts against the lateral surfaces.3. The ultrasonic device unit according to claim 1 , wherein the array surface of the ultrasonic device which the one end ...

ULTRASONIC PROBE

According to an embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes a backing plate, a piezoelectric element, and a protective layer. The piezoelectric element has a piezoelectric vibrator. The piezoelectric element is provided on the backing plate. The protective layer is provided on the surface of an end of the piezoelectric element on the side of the backing plate. Compressive stress is applied to the inside of the protective layer, and the transmission rate of sound inside the protective layer is a predetermined rate. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:a backing plate;a piezoelectric element which has a piezoelectric vibrator and which is provided on the backing plate; anda protective layer provided on the surface of an end of the piezoelectric element on the side of the backing plate, compressive stress being applied to the inside of the protective layer, the transmission rate of sound inside the protective layer being a predetermined rate.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the protective layer is provided on the surface of an end of the piezoelectric vibrator on the side of the backing plate.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the protective layer is formed into a shape of a ring that is continuous around a direction in which the piezoelectric element projects from the backing plate.4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the protective layer is provided on the entire circumferential surface of the piezoelectric vibrator around a direction in which the piezoelectric element projects from the backing plate. This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-055262, filed Mar. 18, 2014; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic probe which outputs ultrasonic waves by using a piezoelectric element and receives the reflected ultrasonic waves.There has been suggested an ultrasonic ...

A MULTI-SENSOR ULTRASOUND PROBE AND RELATED METHODS

An ultrasound probe is provided for multi-faceted exams, such as for triage and emergency. The probe can include different transducer arrays, such as a linear, a curved linear, and a sector array that are combined into a single hand held unit with a wireless display. Related methods are provided, such as a method for automatically selecting the appropriate array for the user to scan with based on the intended exam and/or location of the probe on the body of a patient. 1. A wireless ultrasound probe , comprising:a probe housing having a first side, a second side, and a grip portion, wherein the first side comprises a first transducer array and the second side comprises a second transducer array, wherein the first and second transducer arrays are configured to operate in different scanning modes;at least one beamformer coupled to the first and second transducer arrays, wherein the at least one beamformer includes a plurality of channels each of the plurality of channels include at least two transmitters, wherein a first transmitter is coupled to the first array and a second transmitter is coupled to the second array;a processor in the housing configured to select between the first or second transducer array for an ultrasound scanning procedure; andan image processor configured to generate ultrasound image data for display to a user.2. The wireless ultrasound probe of claim 1 , comprising a third side comprising a third transducer array configured to operate in a different scanning mode than the first and second arrays.3. The wireless ultrasound probe of claim 1 , wherein the probe housing has a square claim 1 , rectangular claim 1 , triangular claim 1 , or trapezoidal shape.4. The wireless ultrasound probe of claim 1 , wherein the second transducer array is arranged with respect to the probe housing such that it is enclosed by a grip of the user's hand when scanning with the first transducer array.5. The wireless ultrasound probe of claim 1 , further comprising at ...

Modular assembly for multidimensional transducer arrays

An interconnect is provided for a multidimensional transducer array. An adaptor provides a 90-degrees or other non-zero angle transition of conductors from connection with the elements to connection with a printed circuit board. The adaptor is formed as a component that may surface mount on the printed circuit board and may provide a pitch change from the element pitch to a different pitch, such as a pitch of conductors of an integrated circuit also mounted to the printed circuit board. The adaptor allows stacking of modules where each module uses standardized or regular printed circuit board connections. 1. A multidimensional transducer array system , the system comprising:first and second modules, each of the first and second modules comprising:an adaptor having first and second planar surfaces oriented about 90 degrees relative to each other, the first planar surface connected with the multidimensional transducer array;conductors in the adaptor, separate ones of the conductors electrically connected with separate elements of the multidimensional transducer array;a printed circuit board having a top surface connected with the second planar surface of the adaptor, the conductors electrically connected with the printed circuit board; andan integrated circuit connected with the printed circuit board such that signals on the conductors are provided at the integrated circuit;the first module stacked with the second module such that the adaptors of each module are in contact with each other and different parts of the multidimensional transducer array.2. The system of wherein the conductors on the first planar surface have a first pitch and the conductors on the second planar surface have a second pitch different than the first pitch.3. The system of wherein the second pitch is different along two dimensions than the first pitch.4. The system of wherein the adaptor surface mounts with flow soldering or stud bumping with conductive adhesive to the printed circuit board ...

ULTRASONIC PROBE

An ultrasonic probe has a transduction layer in which a plurality of transducers are placed, a backing layer provided at a rear side of the transduction layer with a wiring layer therebetween, and a plurality of heat dissipation members provided in the backing layer. The plurality of heat dissipation members extend in a line form in the backing layer, and are placed with an aligned direction of extension. An area occupancy percentage of the heat dissipation member at a center region of the backing layer is larger than that at an outer side of the center region. The center region is not positioned at ends of the cross section intersecting the direction of extension of the heat dissipation member, includes a center of gravity of the cross section, and occupies an area less than or equal to a half of an area of the cross section. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:a transduction layer in which a plurality of transducers are placed;a backing layer provided at a rear side of the transduction layer; anda plurality of heat dissipation members which are provided in the backing layer, which extend in a line form in the backing layer, and which are placed with an aligned direction of extension, whereinan area occupancy percentage of the heat dissipation member at a center region of the backing layer in a cross section intersecting the direction of extension of the heat dissipation member is larger than that of a region at an outer side of the center region.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , whereinthe center region is a region which is not positioned at ends of the cross section, which includes a center of gravity of the cross section, and which occupies an area less than or equal to a half of an area of the cross section.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , whereineach of the transducers extends in a long axis direction, and is placed in an arrangement along a short axis direction intersecting the long axis direction, andthe heat dissipation member ...

PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR ENHANCING SOUND FROM AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

A protective enclosure for an electronic device can include a waveguide to direct and enhance sound waves emanating from a speaker of an electronic device when installed in the protective enclosure. The waveguide can include a first end and a second end. The first end of the waveguide can be located proximate the speaker of the electronic device. The waveguide can increase in cross-sectional area between the first end and the second end. 1. A protective enclosure for enhancing sound from a speaker of an electronic device , the protective enclosure comprising:a front surface, a back surface, and at least two side surfaces extending from the front surface to the back surface to form the protective enclosure, the protective enclosure adapted to receive the electronic device between the front surface and the back surface of the protective enclosure to at least partially enclose the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure; anda waveguide formed in an inner surface of the protective enclosure, the waveguide having a first end and a second end, the first end of the waveguide being proximate the speaker of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure, the waveguide being a trough in the inner surface of the protective enclosure, the inner surface of the protective enclosure forming three bounding surfaces of the waveguide, the fourth bounding surface of the waveguide being provided by a back side surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure.2. The protective enclosure of further comprising a sealing material proximate a first rim and a second rim of the trough claim 1 , the sealing material configured to compress against the back side surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure.3. The protective enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the sealing material is adapted to improve ...

EMI REDUCTION IN PIEZOELECTRIC MICROMACHINED ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARRAY

A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) array may comprise PMUT devices with respective piezoelectric layers and electrode layers. Parasitic capacitance can be reduced when an electrode layer is not shared across PMUT devices but may expose the devices to electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conductive layer located within the structural layer or on a shared plane with the electrode layers may reduce EMI affecting the PMUT array operation. 1. An array of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) devices , comprising:an electrical component layer; a piezoelectric layer and a structural layer, wherein the piezoelectric layer is located between the electrical component layer and the structural layer;', 'a first electrode electrically connected to the electrical component layer and the piezoelectric layer, wherein the first electrode is located between the structural layer and the piezoelectric layer; and', 'a second electrode electrically connected to the electrical component layer and the piezoelectric layer, wherein the second electrode is located between the electrical component layer and the piezoelectric layer; and, 'a plurality of PMUT transceivers, wherein each of the plurality of PMUT transceivers comprisesa conductive layer located above each of the piezoelectric layers and within the structural layer.2. The array of PMUT devices of claim 1 , wherein the conductive layer at least partially covers the structural layer.3. The array of PMUT devices of claim 2 , wherein the conductive layer at least partially covers an upper surface of the structural layer.4. The array of PMUT devices of claim 3 , wherein the conductive layer substantially covers all of the upper surface of the structural layer.5. The array of PMUT devices of claim 3 , wherein the conductive layer comprises an electromagnetic interference (EMI) layer.6. The array of PMUT devices of claim 5 , further comprising an oxide layer between the structural layer and the ...

ADVANCED ACOUSTIC BIDIRECTIONAL REFLECTANCE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION MEASUREMENT DEVICE

An acoustic bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurement system utilizing metamaterials and compressive sensing for measuring scattering acoustic profiles (e.g., over large angular regions, such as hemispherical scattering/emitting into two π steradians or even spherical scattering/emitting over four π steradians). The measurement system includes one or more acoustic waveguides having a curved receiving surface and made from an acoustic metamaterial configured to encode as a sound signal a frequency and directionality of a sound input received from a sample. Each acoustic waveguide includes an acoustic sensor for detecting the encoded sound signal from the metamaterial. 1. An acoustic waveguide comprising:an acoustic metamaterial having a curved receiving surface and being configured to encode a frequency and directionality of a sound input received from a sample to produce an encoded sound signal; andan acoustic sensor operatively coupled to the acoustic metamaterial and configured to detect the encoded sound signal and output a signal based on the detected encoded sound signal.2. The acoustic waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic sensor is in physical contact with the acoustic metamaterial.3. The acoustic waveguide of claim 1 ,wherein the acoustic metamaterial encodes the sound input as the encoded sound signal by shifting a property of the sound input based on a location on the acoustic waveguide where the sound input was received; andwherein the property is at least one of a frequency, a phase, or an amplitude of the encoded signal.4. The acoustic waveguide of claim 3 , wherein the property includes the frequency.5. The acoustic waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic metamaterial is further configured to generate sound claim 1 , such that the generated sound interacts with the sample and is received as the sound input by the acoustic metamaterial.6. The acoustic waveguide of in combination with additional acoustic waveguides as ...

Methods and ultrasound apparatus

This invention is the improved methods and ultrasound apparatus with the wirelessly chargeable battery of the ultrasound probe and with the record of the ultrasound data and ultrasound images on the removable memory card. The improved methods provide the steps of the operation of the improved ultrasound apparatus, and the improved ultrasound apparatus includes the microprocessor unit and control organs unit, which provide control of an ultrasound unit, comprising piezoelectric devices, a transmission unit, a battery unit, including battery and battery wireless charging control circuitry, indication unit, and includes a card insertion registration device recognizing the presence of a removable memory card in the ultrasound probe.

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ELEMENT CHIP, PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

An ultrasonic transducer element chip includes a substrate, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements and a plate-shaped member. The substrate includes a partition wall section defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern. A wall thickness of the partition wall section is smaller than a wall height of partition wall section. Each of the ultrasonic transducer elements is provided in each of the openings. The plate-shaped member is fixed on a surface of the substrate opposite to a surface of the substrate on which the ultrasonic transducer elements are provided. The plate-shaped member covers at least one of the openings in a plan view seen along a thickness direction of the substrate. 1a substrate including a partition wall section defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern, a wall thickness of the partition wall section being smaller than a wall height of partition wall section;a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings; anda plate-shaped member fixed on a surface of the substrate opposite to a surface of the substrate on which the ultrasonic transducer elements are provided, the plate-shaped member covering at least one of the openings in a plan view seen along a thickness direction of the substrate.. An ultrasonic transducer element chip comprising: This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/770,115, filed on Feb. 19, 2013. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-038402 filed on Feb. 24, 2012. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/770,115 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-038402 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.1. Technical FieldThe present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer element chip, a probe that uses the ultrasonic transducer element chip, and an electronic instrument and an ultrasonic diagnostic device ...

PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCERS USING MICRO-DOME ARRAYS

An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements. 135-. (canceled)36. A device for generating pressure waves in an external medium , comprising:a handle portion having a first distal end; and a support structure having a plurality of apertures;', 'a plurality of transducer elements, the plurality of transducer elements sharing a common reference electrode, each transducer element comprising a respective drive electrode and a respective piezoelectric element disposed between the respective drive electrode and the common reference electrode, wherein each transducer element has an outer surface positioned to receive or generate pressure waves in the external medium, and wherein the drive electrode, the common reference electrode, and the piezoelectric element of each transducer element each include a respective flexible portion and a respective stationary portion connected to the respective flexible portion,', 'wherein the flexible portions of the drive electrode, reference electrode, and piezoelectric element of the plurality of transducer elements are suspended over the apertures in the support structure and are curved in a first direction relative to the aperture in the absence of an applied voltage between the drive electrode and the reference electrode and in the absence of an applied force that increases mechanical stress on the flexible portion, and wherein the flexible portions of the ...

PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCERS USING MICRO-DOME ARRAYS

An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements. 126-. (canceled)27. A piezoelectric transducer , comprising:a support structure having an aperture therein; anda transducer element having an inner surface fixed to a first surface of the support structure, the transducer comprising a drive electrode, a reference electrode, and a piezoelectric element disposed between the drive electrode and the reference electrode, the transducer element having an outer surface positioned to receive or generate pressure waves in an external medium, and wherein the drive electrode, the reference electrode, and the piezoelectric element each include a respective flexible portion and a respective stationary portion connected to the respective flexible portion,wherein the flexible portions of the drive electrode, reference electrode, and piezoelectric element are suspended over the aperture in the support structure and are curved in a first direction relative to the first surface of the support in the absence of an applied voltage between the drive electrode and the reference electrode and in the absence of an applied force that increases mechanical stress on the flexible portion, and wherein the flexible portions of the reference electrode, drive electrode, and piezoelectric element deflect in response to a driving voltage applied between the drive electrode and the reference electrode.28. The piezoelectric ...

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transducer; a driving signal generation unit configured to generate a driving signal; and a transmission circuit configured to output a driving current corresponding to the driving signal, so as to drive the transducer, the transmission circuit includes: a transducer driving unit formed by a current mirror with a low voltage transistor and a high voltage transistor, the high voltage transistor being connected with the transducer, and a current source configured to supply an operation current corresponding to the driving signal to the low voltage transistor of the transducer driving unit, the driving signal generation unit includes: a transmission circuit driving unit replica that has a configuration same as that of the transducer driving unit, and a feedback control unit to detect a current flowing through a high voltage transistor of the transmission circuit driving unit replica, and to control the current to be constant.

INTEGRATED ANTENNA DEVICE

An integrated antenna device comprises a protective casing of hydrodynamic shape delimiting an inner cavity and an upper fixing interface suitable for being fixed mechanically on a carrier structure, the device further comprises an antenna housed inside the inner cavity and fixed to the internal wall of the casing at the level of at least one fixing point, an assembly of cables comprising power supply and signals reception cables linked to the antenna. The protective casing is closed in a hermetic manner and traversed in a leaktight manner by the cables. 1. An integrated antenna device , comprising a protective casing of hydrodynamic shape delimiting an inner cavity and an upper fixing interface suitable for being fixed mechanically on a carrier structure , the device further comprising an antenna housed inside the inner cavity and fixed to the internal wall of the casing at the level of at least one fixing point , an assembly of cables comprising power supply and signals reception cables linked to the antenna , and wherein the protective casing is closed in a hermetic manner and traversed in a leaktight manner by said cables.2. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the casing comprises a lower dome and a closing plate which are joined together in a leaktight manner.3. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the dome has a circular drum shape or a streamlined hydrodynamic shape.4. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cavity comprises a protective liquid in which the antenna bathes claim 1 , said protective liquid being chosen to ensure the acoustic matching of the antenna.5. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the protective liquid is a non-ionic fluid.6. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the non-ionic fluid is an oil.7. The integrated antenna device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the protective liquid is pressurized by applying a chosen ...

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE, ACOUSTIC BIOMETRIC IMAGING SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

A method of manufacturing ultrasonic transducer devices, comprising fabricating an ultrasonic transducer panel; and dividing the ultrasonic transducer panel into ultrasonic transducer devices. Fabricating the ultrasonic transducer panel includes: providing a first carrier; arranging a plurality of piezoelectric elements spaced apart on the first carrier; applying a dielectric material on the plurality of piezoelectric elements to embed each piezoelectric element in the plurality of piezoelectric elements in the dielectric material, thereby forming a piezoelectric element device layer on the first carrier; thinning the piezoelectric element device layer, resulting in an exposed first side of each piezoelectric element in the plurality of piezoelectric elements; forming a first electrode layer on the piezoelectric element device layer, the first electrode layer including a first transducer electrode on the exposed first side of each piezoelectric element in the piezoelectric element device layer; and separating the piezoelectric element device layer from the first carrier. 1. A method of manufacturing ultrasonic transducer devices for use in an acoustic biometric imaging system , comprising the steps of:fabricating an ultrasonic transducer panel; anddividing said ultrasonic transducer panel into said ultrasonic transducer devices, providing a first carrier;', 'arranging a plurality of piezoelectric elements spaced apart on said first carrier;', 'applying a dielectric material on said plurality of piezoelectric elements to embed each piezoelectric element in said plurality of piezoelectric elements in said dielectric material, thereby forming a piezoelectric element device layer on said first carrier;', 'thinning said piezoelectric element device layer, resulting in an exposed first side of each piezoelectric element in said plurality of piezoelectric elements;', 'forming a first electrode layer on said piezoelectric element device layer, said first electrode layer ...

PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCERS USING MICRO-DOME ARRAYS

An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements. 1. A piezoelectric transducer , comprising:a vibrating element comprising a drive electrode, a reference electrode, and a piezoelectric element disposed between the drive electrode and the reference electrode; and wherein the drive electrode, the reference electrode, and the piezoelectric element each include a respective flexible portion and a respective stationary portion connected to the respective flexible portion,', 'wherein the flexible portions of the drive electrode, reference electrode, and piezoelectric element are suspended over a same area of the first surface and are curved in a first direction relative to the first surface of the base in the absence of an applied voltage between the drive electrode and the reference electrode,', 'wherein the flexible portions of the reference electrode, drive electrode, and piezoelectric element deflect in response to a driving voltage applied between the drive electrode and the reference electrode,', 'wherein the transducer has an exposed outer surface facing a direction pointing from the base to the vibrating element, and the exposed outer surface of the transducer includes an outer surface of the vibrating element or an outer surface of a flexible film covering the outer surface of the vibrating element, and', 'wherein the exposed outer surface of the transducer device deflects in conformity ...

Ultrasound Probe, Element Circuit Thereof, and Ultrasound Diagnostic Device Using Same

Provided are an ultrasound probe, an element circuit thereof, and an ultrasound diagnostic device, whereby high image quality is possible and reduced size and lower cost are made possible. Provided is an ultrasound probe, comprising: a -D array transducer wherein a plurality of transducers are arrayed two-dimensionally; and a -D array IC in which are formed, upon an IC substrate, drive circuits which are disposed upon each of the transducers of the -D array transducer to drive each of the transducers at different timings with a prescribed delay quantity, and common current sources which supply drive current to the transducers of the -D array transducer. The number n of the common current sources which are formed upon the IC substrate is fewer than the number N of the drive circuits which are formed upon the IC substrate. 1. An ultrasound probe comprising:a 2-D array transducer including a plurality of transducers which are arrayed two-dimensionally; anda 2-D array IC in which are formed, upon an IC substrate,drive circuits prepared for the transducers of the 2-D array transducer on a one-to-one basis to drive the transducers at different timings with prescribed delay quantities respectively, andcommon current sources which supply drive currents to the transducers of the 2-D array transducer,wherein the number n of the common current sources which are formed upon the IC substrate is fewer than the number N of the drive circuits which are formed upon the IC substrate.2. The ultrasound probe according to claim 1 , wherein the number n of the common current sources formed upon the IC substrate is set to a number large enough for the common current sources to adequately work as current sources for the driving circuits to drive transducers that are driven at the same timing among the N drive circuits formed on the IC substrate.3. The ultrasound probe according to claim 2 , wherein there are a plurality of transducers that are driven at the same timing claim 2 , and the ...

Acoustic lens system

An acoustic lens system comprises one or more speakers and a substrate. The speaker comprises a driver capable of receiving an audio signal and a wave forming member in communication with the driver and having a sloped surface. The speaker is adapted to abut the substrate. In use, the driver causes translation of the wave forming member in response to the audio signal. The translation of the wave forming member causes the sloped surface to generate an audio waveform that extends in a direction divergent to the direction of translation. The speaker also generates forces against the substrate so that a ripple wave is propagated along the substrate. The propagation of the ripple wave is projected perpendicularly at a location on the substrate to generate a sound wave from the substrate. The sound wave generated by the ripple wave and the divergently extending wave from the wave forming member intersect at a position away from the speaker thereby creating an immersive sound experience for the user.

MULTI-FREQUENCY HARMONIC ACOUSTOGRAPHY FOR TARGET IDENTIFICATION AND BORDER DETECTION

A vibro-acoustography imaging system that that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue. 1. A method for performing multi-frequency harmonic acoustography for target identification and border detection within a target tissue , the method comprising:providing a focused confocal transducer having at least one piezoelectric element;focusing first and second ultrasonic waves at first and second frequencies from the transducer on the target tissue;wherein the first and second waves interfere at a focal plane within the target tissue such that the target tissue absorbs energy from the first and second waves and vibrates to emit a third acoustic wave within the target tissue;detecting the third acoustic wave with a hydrophone; andanalyzing the third acoustic wave to evaluate one or more mechanical properties of the target tissue.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the confocal transducer comprises a hydrophone positioned centrally within in the piezoelectric element.3. The method of :wherein the confocal transducer comprises a first inner transducer disposed concentrically within a second outer transducer;wherein the first inner transducer emits the first wave at the first frequency and the second outer transducer emits the second wave at the second frequency; andwherein the hydrophone is positioned concentrically within a hole at the center of the first inner transducer.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the confocal transducer comprises a curved array of transducers configured to electronically scan the ...

ULTRASONIC DEVICE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

An ultrasonic device includes: an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that each include a piezoelectric body; an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate; and a support member secured to a surface, opposite to the surface formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, wherein the support member is formed to have a larger area, in plan view in the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate, and a higher bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate, and the acoustic lens is formed to have a lower bending stiffness than the ultrasonic element array substrate. The above-described ultrasonic device further includes an acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens. 1. An ultrasonic device comprising:an ultrasonic element array substrate having a plurality of ultrasonic elements that perform at least one of transmission and reception of ultrasound; anda support member secured to the ultrasonic element array substrate, whereinthe support member includes an angled portion provided at a part of its outer edge, andthe angled portion is angled in a direction away from the ultrasonic element array substrate in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the ultrasonic element array substrate.2. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1 , further comprising:an acoustic lens secured via an acoustic matching layer to a surface, formed with the ultrasonic elements, of the ultrasonic element array substrate, the acoustic lens having a lens portion that focuses the ultrasound; andan acoustic matching layer filled between the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens, whereinthe acoustic matching layer is formed of a resin secured to the ultrasonic element array substrate and the acoustic lens.3. ...

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION DEVICE

An ultrasonic inspection device according to an embodiment includes: an ultrasonic transducer which includes at least one oscillator group having a plurality of oscillators in a plurality of regions, each region disposing at least one oscillator; a selector which selects at least one region having one or more of the oscillators to be driven from among the plurality of regions; and a driver which individually drives one or more of the oscillators of the at least one region being selected. 1. An ultrasonic inspection device , comprising:an ultrasonic transducer which includes at least one oscillator group having a plurality of oscillators in a plurality of regions, each region disposing at least one oscillator;a selector which selects at least one region having one or more of the oscillators to be driven from among the plurality of regions; anda driver which individually drives one or more of the oscillators of the at least one region being selected.2. The device according to claim 1 , whereinthe selector has a switching circuit adjusting a number of the oscillators to be simultaneously driven from among the plurality of oscillators disposed at the plurality of regions.3. The device according to claim 1 , whereinthere are first regions each located at an outer side and a second region located at an inner side of the first regions in the plurality of regions, andthe selector has a switching circuit switching between the driving of only the oscillator disposed at the second region and the driving of all of the oscillators disposed at the first and second regions.4. The device according to claim 1 , whereinthe ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of the oscillator groups.5. The device according to claim 1 , whereinthe ultrasonic transducer includes a base having polygonal ultrasonic radiation surfaces, and the oscillator is installed on each of the polygonal ultrasonic radiation surfaces.6. The device according to claim 4 , whereinthe ultrasonic transducer includes ...

PROBE, TRANSDUCER UNIT, AND SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS

To provide a photoacoustic probe capable of acquiring subject information for reducing generation of artifacts without increasing the number of wires connected to the outside. Provided is a probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are divided into a plurality of groups, two adjoining ultrasonic transducers belong to different groups, and the probe includes a group selection unit configured to switch signals of the ultrasonic transducers to be outputtable for each of the groups. 1. A probe , comprising:a plurality of ultrasonic transducers being divided into a plurality of groups;a group selection unit configured to switch signals of the ultrasonic transducers to be outputtable for each of the groups,wherein a ultrasonic transducer belonging to one of the plurality of groups is surrounded by ultrasonic transducers belonging to different groups of the plurality of groups.2. The probe according to claim 1 , wherein the signals of the ultrasonic transducers are output via wires.3. The probe according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the closest ultrasonic transducers belonging to the plurality of groups is substantially the same for each group.4. The probe according to claim 1 , wherein two ultrasonic transducers belonging to the same group are separated from each other claim 1 , and an ultrasonic transducer belonging to another group is disposed between two ultrasonic transducers belonging to the same group.5. (canceled)6. The probe according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a curved surface.7. The probe according to claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer is provided with a plurality of cells each having a pair of electrodes formed with a space therebetween.8. The probe according to claim 1 , further comprising a receiving circuit configured to detect a current output from the ultrasonic transducer claim 1 , wherein the group selection unit is disposed between the ...

Systems and methods for ultrasound pulse generation using gallium nitride field effect transistors

Circuits, devices and methods generating an ultrasound pulse are provided herein. An ultrasound probe includes an array of transducer elements configured to transmit an ultrasound signal toward a target structure in a region of interest, and an array of pulse generators for driving a respective transducer element. Each of the pulse generators are coupled to a respective transducer element and include a driver circuit configured to receive a control signal and to output a driving signal, a switching element coupled to the driver circuit, and a resonant circuit coupled to the switching element and the respective transducer element, wherein the resonant circuit is configured to provide a transmit pulse to the respective transducer element based on the driving signal. The switching element may comprise a gallium nitride field effect transistor (GaN FET).

PHASED ARRAY ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

A phased array ultrasonic transducer includes a bonding wire structure, a damping material, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and a printed circuit board. The bonding wire structure includes a plurality of bonding wire elements. The damping material surrounds the bonding wire structure and is interposed with the plurality of bonding wire elements. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is arranged in a matrix beneath a membrane, each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers being coupled to a corresponding bonding wire element of the plurality of bonding wire elements. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of circuits. Each of the plurality of circuits is coupled to a corresponding bonding wire element of the plurality of bonding wire elements. 1. A phased array ultrasonic transducer comprising:a bonding wire structure comprising a plurality of bonding wire elements;a damping material surrounding the bonding wire structure and interposed with the plurality of bonding wire elements;a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix, each of said ultrasonic transducers coupled to at least one of said plurality of bonding wire elements; anda printed circuit board comprising a plurality of circuits, each said circuit coupled to a wire element of said plurality of bonding wire elements.2. The phased array ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein said printed circuit board further comprises a flexible printed circuit board.3. The phased array ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of bonding wire elements comprises a conductive column.4. The phased array ultrasonic transducer of claim 3 , wherein said conductive column comprises copper.5. The phased array ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of bonding wire elements comprises a conductive cylinder comprising a first end coupled to a structural base.6. The phased array ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of ...

Piezoelectric device, probe, electronic apparatus, and ultrasonic imaging apparatus

A piezoelectric device includes: a piezoelectric film having a first surface in contact with a vibrating film and a second surface on the opposite side to the first surface; first and second electrodes that are provided on the second surface of the piezoelectric film and that are disposed at positions away from each other and are short-circuited to each other at a position away from the piezoelectric film; and a third electrode that is provided between the first and second electrodes on the second surface of the piezoelectric film and is disposed at a position away from the first and second electrodes. At least parts of the contours of end portions of the first and second electrodes are defined in parallel to side portions of the third electrode.

OLED PANEL

The present disclosure relates to an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) panel. The OLED panel includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface; an OLED pixel array located in a plane on the first surface of the substrate, the OLED pixel array including a plurality of OLED sub-pixels; an ultrasonic transmitter including an ultrasonic emitting layer configured to emit ultrasonic waves; and an ultrasonic receiver including a receiver array, the receiver array including a plurality of receivers configured to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals, wherein at least a part of an orthographic projection of the ultrasonic emitting layer and the receiver array on the plane falls within the OLED pixel array. 1. An Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) panel , comprising:a substrate having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface;an OLED pixel array located in a plane on the first surface of the substrate, the OLED pixel array including a plurality of OLED sub-pixels;an ultrasonic transmitter including an ultrasonic emitting layer configured to emit ultrasonic waves; andan ultrasonic receiver including a receiver array, the receiver array including a plurality of receivers configured to convert received ultrasonic waves into electrical signals,wherein at least a part of an orthographic projection of the ultrasonic emitting layer and the receiver array on the plane falls within the OLED pixel array.2. The OLED panel of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic emitting layer is the substrate.3. The OLED panel of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic emitting layer is located on the second surface of the substrate.4. The OLED panel of claim 1 , further comprising a polarizing layer claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic emitting layer is located between the polarizing layer and the OLED pixel array.5. The OLED panel of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of receivers are located at gaps between the ...

Unimorph-type ultrasound probe

A unimorph-type ultrasound probe has a plurality of piezoelectric element regions which extend in a minor axis direction and are arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in a major axis direction, a plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions are formed so as to be arranged in each piezoelectric element region, the size of the plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions is changed in the minor axis direction, the plurality of minute piezoelectric element portions are arranged such that the size of the piezoelectric element portions in both end portions in the minor axis direction becomes smaller than the size of the piezoelectric element portions in a central portion in the minor axis direction, and ultrasonic waves having different frequencies are radiated from the piezoelectric element portions having different sizes.

ACOUSTIC LENS USING EXTRAORDINARY ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION

An acoustic lens or diffractive acoustic device, including but not limited to, a sub-wavelength thickness lens or diffuser, comprising an array of Helmholtz resonators (HRs) that provide perfect or near-perfect sound transmission through a rigid barrier. HRs are arranged in a line or an array confined within a waveguide and oriented so that one neck protrudes onto each side of the barrier. Extraordinary acoustic transmission (EAT) occurs when radiation (such as EM or acoustic radiation) incident on the barrier perforated with sub-wavelength holes is transmitted at a rate higher than expected based on the areal coverage fraction of the holes. Transmission is independent of the direction of sound on the barrier and the relative placement of the necks. 1. An device for modifying radiation , comprising:a plurality of Helmholtz resonators embedded in a barrier with a first side and a second side, each Helmholtz resonator with a resonant frequency;wherein said barrier is opaque to radiation incident on the first side; andwherein the device transmits the majority of the radiation through the plurality of Helmholtz resonators to the other side of the barrier.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic device is an acoustic lens.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the acoustic device is a diffractive acoustic device or diffuser.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the radiation is an acoustic or sound wave.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the device is below the incident radiation's wavelength.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators are configured in a line.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators are configured in a two-dimensional array.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the Helmholtz resonators have the same resonant frequency.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said Helmholtz resonators has a different resonant frequency from the remaining Helmholtz resonators.10. The device of claim 1 , wherein ...