Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic apparatus

Abstract

Various ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic apparatuses are provided in which the size of an area of contact with a patient is reduced while maintaining the strength of a housing of the ultrasonic probe. In an exemplary aspect, the ultrasonic probe includes a housing for housing an array of transducer elements and an acoustic lens disposed in an end portion of said housing. The housing includes a first portion in which an acoustic lens is disposed and a second portion. The first portion is constructed, at least in part, from a first material having a Young's modulus of 40 GPa or higher and also having electrical insulation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.