Acoustic imaging systems adaptable for use with low drive voltages
AssigneeKoninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
InventorsBernard J. Savord, William J. Ossmann
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Abstract
Acoustic imaging systems are provided. A representative acoustic imaging system includes a transducer that incorporates a backing and an acoustic element extending from the backing. The acoustic element includes a piezoelectric element and a de-matching layer. The de-matching layer is arranged between the backing and the piezoelectric element and exhibits an acoustic impedance greater than that of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element exhibits a thickness that is less than one-half of a wavelength to be generated by the piezoelectric element. Methods also are provided.
Claims23
An acoustic imaging system comprising:
- a transducer having a backing and an acoustic element, said acoustic element extending from said backing, said acoustic element including a piezoelectric element and a de-matching layer, said de-matching layer being arranged between said backing and said piezoelectric element, said piezoelectric element exhibiting a thickness less than one-half of a wavelength to be generated by said piezoelectric element, said de-matching layer exhibiting an acoustic impedance greater than an acoustic impedance of said piezoelectric element, said acoustic element is configured to generate an acoustic wave exhibiting a mechanical index of approximately 1.9 in response to receiving a drive voltage of less than 90 volts.
A method for acoustically imaging a body, said method comprising:
- providing a transducer having a backing and an acoustic element extending from the backing, said acoustic element including a piezoelectric element and a de-matching layer, said de-matching layer being arranged between said backing and said piezoelectric element;
- generating acoustic waves with the acoustic element, said acoustic element is configured to generate acoustic waves exhibiting a mechanical index of approximately 1.9 in response to receiving a drive voltage of less than 90 volts;
- and
- substantially preventing acoustic energy generated by the acoustic element from propagating into the backing of the transducer.
An acoustic imaging system comprising:
- a transducer including:
- a backing;
- and
- an array of acoustic elements extending from said backing, at least one of said acoustics elements including a piezoelectric element exhibiting a thickness less than one-half of a wavelength to be generated by said piezoelectric element, and means for substantially preventing acoustic energy generated by said acoustic element from propagating into said backing, said transducer is configured to generate acoustic waves exhibiting a mechanical index of approximately 1.9 in response to receiving a drive voltage of less than 90 volts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.