Method of making ultrasound transducer or actuator

Method of making a gas matrix composite ultrasound transducer comprising the steps of:

• a) forming a first structure by aligning piezoelectric rods or fibers substantially parallel to each other on an adhesive side of a first curable adhesive-faced sheet;
• b) placing a second sheet with adhesive on both sides over the first structure so as to provide a gap between the rods or fibers;
• c) aligning piezoelectric rods or fibers on the second sheet substantially parallel to the rod or fibers of the first structure;
• d) repeating steps b) and c) a plurality of times to build a second structure so as to maintain the air gaps between the rods or fibers;
• e) curing the adhesive in the second structure;
• f) cutting the cured second structure perpendicular to the rods or fibers into narrow slices to form third structures;
• and
• g) applying a conductive layer to each face of a third structure to form electrical contacts with both ends of the rods or fibers.