Ultrasonic transducer with tensioned film

A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer, comprising:

• providing a vibrator film, a compliant member, and a backplate having a plurality of linear physical features formed parallel to one another on a conductive surface of the backplate;
• positioning the vibrator film proximate to the backplate such that a conductive surface of the vibrator film faces away from the conductive surface of the backplate;
• configuring the compliant member to apply a force to the vibrator film to maintain a predetermined tension in the vibrator film in substantially one direction;
• making a first electrical connection to a first electrode formed at least in part by the conductive surface of the vibrator film;
• and
• making a second electrical connection to a second electrode formed at least in part by the conductive surface of the backplate,
• wherein the configuring of the compliant member includes configuring the compliant member to apply the force to the vibrator film to maintain the predetermined tension in the vibrator film, the predetermined tension being configured to be directed along the surface of the backplate perpendicular to the plurality of linear physical features formed on the conductive surface of the backplate and providing a restoring force for the vibrator film motion during operation of the transducer.