Enhanced ultrasound imaging probes using flexure mode piezoelectric transducers

Abstract

A method of generating an enhanced receive signal from a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer is described. The method comprises providing a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer comprising a piezoelectric element operable in flexural mode, receiving a acoustic signal by the piezoelectric element, applying a DC bias to the piezoelectric element prior to receiving the acoustic signal and/or concurrently with receiving the acoustic signal, and generating an enhanced receive signal from the piezoelectric element as a result of receiving the acoustic signal by the piezoelectric element. pMUT-based imaging probes using the above method are also described.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method of generating an enhanced flexure mode signal by a piezoelectric transducer and an ultrasound imaging probe using the method. Background technique [0002] Ultrasound transducers are particularly useful for non-invasive as well as in vivo medical diagnostic imaging. Conventional ultrasound transducers are typically fabricated from piezoelectric ceramic materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or PZT polymer composites, which are sliced ​​or laser cut to form arrays arranged in one or two dimensions multiple individual components. Acoustic lenses, matching layers, backing layers, and electrical interconnects (eg flex cables, metal pins / wires) are typically attached to each transducer element to form a transducer assembly or probe. The probes are then connected to the control circuitry with a harness or cable containing individual wires that drive and receive signals from each individual component. An i...

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Problems solved by technology

But this typically requires solder bumping, which is a higher temperature process (around 300°C), and high density integration is not feasible due to the large size of the array elements (minimum 200-300 micron pitch)

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