Abstract: A backing block composite is provided. A transducer is manufactured to include the backing block of composite material. One constituent material provides a skeleton or matrix for enclosing volumes or pockets of another material. The materials are incompatible for bonding, so do not adhere to each other. For example, silicone microspheres are mixed with a nonsilicone resin, forming silicone pockets within the resin. Since the silicone does not adhere to the resin, the silicone may vibrate or otherwise move relative to the cured resin matrix, causing friction between the two materials. As acoustic energy propagates into the backing material, the composite structure of incompatible materials attenuates the acoustic energy as frictionally generated heat between the two material, or through other processes.

Abstract: A phased-array ultrasonic transducer assembly includes a catheter. An end portion is mounted to the catheter around a transducer array, and the end portion defines an acoustic window which is essentially non-focusing to ultrasonic energy passing therethrough. Because the acoustic window is non-focusing, a relatively small radius of curvature can be used on the radially outer surface of this window.