Abstract: An outer case for an ultrasonic probe that houses a module of the ultrasonic probe is provided. The outer case includes a grip case gripped by a user and a head case that engages with the grip case. The grip case has a first engaging portion where one or a plurality of convex portions are disposed. The head case has a second engaging portion where one or a plurality of depressed portions are disposed at positions where the one or plurality of depressed portions engage with the one or plurality of convex portions. The convex portion and the depressed portion are engaged to be locked.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element in round shape, an acoustic lens, and an acoustic matching layer. The piezoelectric element generates an ultrasonic sound wave. The acoustic matching layer decreases a reflection of the ultrasonic sound wave from a subject. The piezoelectric element has a center having a hole through which an optical fiber that guides a light of a light source passes. The ultrasonic transducer transmits and receives the ultrasonic sound wave while emitting the light. The acoustic lens has a material using a resin with a withstand voltage, mainly polymethylpentene. The acoustic matching layer has a thickness set to ?/4 by not applying a polyparaxylylene coating for ensuring the withstand voltage on the acoustic matching layer. The optical fiber has a distal end configured not to pass through the acoustic lens. The piezoelectric element and the acoustic matching layer have shapes in a planar surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element in round shape, an acoustic lens, and an acoustic matching layer. The piezoelectric element generates an ultrasonic sound wave. The acoustic matching layer decreases a reflection of the ultrasonic sound wave from a subject. The piezoelectric element has a center having a hole through which an optical fiber that guides a light of a light source passes. The ultrasonic transducer transmits and receives the ultrasonic sound wave while emitting the light. The acoustic lens has a material using a resin with a withstand voltage, mainly polymethylpentene. The acoustic matching layer has a thickness set to ?/4 by not applying a polyparaxylylene coating for ensuring the withstand voltage on the acoustic matching layer. The optical fiber has a distal end configured not to pass through the acoustic lens. The piezoelectric element and the acoustic matching layer have shapes in a planar surface.

Abstract: An outer case for an ultrasonic probe that houses a module of the ultrasonic probe is provided. The outer case includes a grip case gripped by a user and a head case that engages with the grip case. The grip case has a first engaging portion where one or a plurality of convex portions are disposed. The head case has a second engaging portion where one or a plurality of depressed portions are disposed at positions where the one or plurality of depressed portions engage with the one or plurality of convex portions. The convex portion and the depressed portion are engaged to be locked.

Abstract: An outer case for an ultrasonic probe that houses a module of the ultrasonic probe is provided. The outer case includes a grip case gripped by a user and a head case that engages with the grip case. The grip case is constituted of a pair of parts in an identical shape. A projection portion is disposed at a first edge portion on one side from a center of each of the parts. A groove portion is disposed at a second edge portion on another side from the center of each of the parts, and the groove portion engages with the projecting portion.