Abstract: An ultrasound transducer that includes a backing layer, an insulating layer disposed on top of the backing layer, and a plurality of conductive traces disposed on top of the insulating layer are disclosed. Each of the conductive traces has an upper face. A plurality of transducer elements, each having (a) a core of piezoelectric material and (b) a conductive coating disposed beneath the core, are bonded directly to the upper face of a respective one of the plurality of conductive traces. Methods for fabricating ultrasound transducers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid ejection module includes a die having a plurality of substantially identical fluid ejector units formed therein. Each fluid ejector unit includes a flow path formed therethrough, the flow path including a pumping chamber fluidically connected to a nozzle, and an actuator assembly including a membrane providing a wall of the pumping chamber and an actuator, the actuator assembly configured to eject fluid from a pumping chamber through an associated nozzle. The plurality of individually actuatable fluid ejector units includes a plurality of individually actuatable first fluid ejector units and at least one second fluid ejector unit, and the actuator assembly of the at least one second fluid ejector unit includes a material deposited on the actuator such that the actuator assembly of the at least one second fluid ejector unit is stiffer than the actuator assemblies of the first fluid ejector units.

Abstract: There is disclosed a manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head including a substrate in which a first energy generating element and a second energy generating element that generate energy used for discharging liquid are provided, a discharge port member in which a first discharge port discharging the liquid is provided corresponding to the first energy generating element and a second discharge port discharging the liquid is provided corresponding to the second energy generating element, and a flow path wall member having a portion of the liquid flow path wall that communicates with the first discharge port and the second discharge port, in which a distance between the second energy generating element and the second discharge port is larger than that between the first energy generating element and the first discharge port.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium includes at least one transducer core having at least one acoustic/electric transducer element. The ultrasonic transducer furthermore includes at least one decoupling element which is configured to reduce a structure-borne noise coupling between the transducer core and a housing. The decoupling element includes at least one porous plastic material, in particular a foamed plastic material. The porous plastic material includes at least one thermosetting polymer and/or at least one thermoplastic.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that improves workability of a housing, suppresses variations in resonant frequency, and has stable characteristics is constructed. The ultrasonic transducer includes a bottomed circular cylindrical housing and a piezoelectric element provided at substantially a center of a bottom of the housing. The bottom of the housing has a slope portion that gradually becomes thinner from a position at which the piezoelectric element is provided toward an inner wall surface of the housing, and a flat portion that extends from an outer edge of the slope portion to the inner wall surface of the housing while maintaining a thickness of the outer edge of the slope portion.

Abstract: A transducer 1b comprising a vibrator body 2b for generating and/or receiving acoustic or ultrasonic waves, acoustically coupled to a second part 4 for generating and/or receiving acoustic or ultrasonic waves and, a matching layer 5 coupled to said vibrator body 2 so as, in use, to acoustically match the vibrator body 2b to a medium 6 contacting said matching layer 5.

Abstract: An acoustic probe transmits/receives acoustic pulses with frequencies both in a high frequency (HF), and a selectable amount of lower frequency (LF1, LF2, . . . , LFn, . . . ) bands. The radiation surfaces of at least two of the multiple frequency bands have a common region. The arrays and elements can be of a general type such as annular arrays, phased or switched arrays, linear arrays with division in both azimuth and elevation direction, like a 1.5D, a 1.75D and a full 2D array, or curved arrays. The element division, array type, and array aperture sizes for the different bands can also be different.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an acoustic wave device includes a substrate, and at least one acoustic wave resonator having a bottom electrode adjacent to the substrate, a top electrode, a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the bottom and top electrodes, a passivation layer formed on the top electrode, and a mass load layer sandwiched between the substrate and the bottom electrode, or between the bottom electrode and the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: The piezoelectric damping device is a passive piezoelectric vibration suppression and damping device for reducing amplitude of vibration in structures. The piezoelectric damping device includes a magnetic layer having opposed inner and outer faces, with the inner face thereof being adapted for releasable magnetic attachment to a vibrating structure, such as a metallic pipe, for example. A piezoelectric layer is secured to the outer face of the magnetic layer. Preferably, an electrically insulating layer is sandwiched between the magnetic layer and the piezoelectric layer. The electrically insulating layer is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive. An electrical shunting circuit is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric layer, such that vibration in the piezoelectric layer caused by the vibrating structure generates electrical energy, which is then dissipated by the electrical shunting circuit, thus damping vibration in the vibrating structure.

Abstract: Backing substrates for reducing parasitic echoes produced within a ultrasonic transducer are provided comprising a polymeric material, for example, an epoxy having a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from about 10 to 50° C.; or an epoxy having an acoustical attenuation that increases by at least about 2 dB/mm at 5 MHz in a temperature range of about 5° C. to 40° C. Transducer assemblies comprising the backing substrates and methods for producing the assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer is described for use in a fluid medium. The ultrasonic transducer includes at least one piezoelectric transducer element and at least one matching element for promoting an oscillation injection between the piezoelectric transducer element and the fluid medium. The ultrasonic transducer also includes a housing (112), the piezoelectric transducer element being inserted in the housing. The housing has at least one opening facing the fluid medium, the matching element being inserted at least partially into the opening. The ultrasonic transducer also has at least one sealing element, which seals at least one intervening space between the matching element and the housing in such a way that an inner space of the housing is at least largely sealed from the fluid medium.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes an array of PZT elements mounted on a non-recessed distal surface of a backing block. Between each element and the backing block is a conductive region formed as a portion of a metallic layer sputtered onto the distal surface. Traces on a longitudinally extending circuit board—preferably, a substantially rigid printed circuit board, which may be embedded within the block—connect the conductive region, and thus the PZT element, with any conventional external ultrasound imaging system. A substantially “T” or “inverted-L” shaped electrode is thereby formed for each element, with no need for soldering. At least one longitudinally extending metallic member mounted on a respective lateral surface of the backing block forms a heat sink and a common electrical ground. A thermally and electrically conductive layer, such as of foil, transfers heat from at least one matching layer mounted on the elements to the metallic member.

Abstract: Provided are free-standing ductile composites and methods of making free-standing ductile composites. The method of making a free-standing ductile composite can include providing a substrate and releasably bonding one or more piezoelectric elements to the substrate. The method can also include kerfing the piezoelectric elements in a predetermined pattern to form a kerfed pattern, filling the kerfed pattern with a polymer to form a polymer-piezoelectric composite, and lapping the polymer-piezoelectric composite. The method can further include releasing the polymer-piezoelectric composite from the substrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer arraying at even intervals ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and layering a plurality of acoustic matching layers on them, comprising an transducer shape forming member made of a fiber-reinforced thermosetting PPE for filling a gap formed on the side face of the ultrasonic transducer with the same material as that of the acoustic matching layer, mixing a colorant in a division member adjacent to a predefined ultrasonic transducer from among a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and arraying the plurality thereof.

Abstract: In the ultrasound transducer of the present embodiment, front surface electrodes and rear surface electrodes are provided for a plurality of ultrasound vibrators. A circuit board is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and connected to the rear surface electrodes. An electronic circuit is connected to the surface opposite to that of the rear surface electrodes side on the circuit board, and has signal paths to each ultrasound vibrator through the circuit board. A backing material is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and is provided so as to sandwich between it and the ultrasound vibrators the circuit board and the electronic circuit.

Abstract: Improved acoustic attenuation materials and applications are provided. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include a woven layer of fibers made of porous polymers, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that include interstitial space. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include sheets of porous polymers interleaved with layers of epoxy. The sheets of porous polymers may include through holes. An embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer that includes a backing with woven layers of porous PTFE fibers is provided. The ultrasonic transducer that includes a backing with woven layers of porous PTFE fibers may be used in a three-dimensional ultrasound imaging apparatus. An embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer that includes a plurality of sheets of porous PTFE interleaved with layers of epoxy is provided. The ultrasonic transducer that includes a plurality of sheets of porous PTFE may be used in an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: An acoustic wave resonator device comprising a resonant layer that comprises a series of side-by-side areas of first and second dielectric materials. In one embodiment the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric, in particular the first dielectric material can be a piezoelectric and the second dielectric material can be non-piezoelectric. In another embodiment, the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric of first polarity and the second dielectric material is a piezoelectric of opposite polarity or different polarity. Where needed, the resonant layer is supported on a reflector composed of series of layers of high acoustic impedance material(s) alternating with layers of low acoustic impedance material(s). For example, the reflector comprises AlN, Al2O3, Ta2O5, HfO2 or W as high impedance material and SiO2 as low impedance material.

Abstract: In an arrangement of at least one piezoacoustic resonator on a substrate surface, the resonator has an piezoelectric layer, an electrode and a further electrode arranged such that activation of the electrodes leads to a resonance oscillation, the substrate surface is formed by an acoustic mirror integrated in the substrate for acoustically insulating substrate and resonator, and with a resonance frequency evaluation device being connected to the electrodes by tracks being routed through a mirror opening. The acoustic mirror has a Bragg reflector having ?/4-thick layers of different acoustic impedance. The topmost layer is made of silicon dioxide acting as an insulation layer in the mirror opening for electrically insulating the conductor track and the electrically conductive Bragg reflector layers. The arrangement is used as a physical transducer of a device for detecting a substance of a fluid, in particular of a fluid in the form of a liquid (biosensor).

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a case, a reflective portion, and a piezoelectric body. The case has a substantially cylindrical shape including one closed end in the center axis direction that defines a top. The piezoelectric body is disposed on the inner surface of the top of the case. The reflective portion is arranged to oppose and be spaced apart from the piezoelectric body. The distance between the piezoelectric body and the reflective portion is greater than the maximum displacement of the piezoelectric body and is substantially an odd number multiple of a ¼ wavelength of sound waves or less than or equal to the ¼ wavelength.

Abstract: A module, direct fuel injector (10) includes a fuel side sub-assembly (78) having valve body structure (12, 14) defining a main flow passage (16) there-through, an outlet opening (26) and a seating surface (24). A needle (18) is in the main flow passage and has first and second ends. The second end (22) has a sealing surface (20). The needle is movable between a closed position with the sealing surface engaging the seating surface to prevent fuel from passing through the outlet opening, and an open position. A spring (30) biases the needle to the closed position. Manifold structure (36, 48) is coupled to the valve body structure. The injector also includes a dry side sub-assembly including a piezo stack (42) coupled to the manifold structure and changes length when voltage is applied thereto. The piezo stack is associated with the first end of the needle so that when the length of the piezo stack changes, the needle moves from the closed position to the open position thereof.

Abstract: An impedance conversion layer useful for medical imaging ultrasonic transducers comprises a low impedance polymer layer and a high impedance metal layer. These layers are combined with corresponding thicknesses adapted to provide a function of converting from a specific high impedance to specific low impedance, wherein the polymer layer is at the high impedance side and the metal layer is at the low impedance side. The effective acoustic impedance of the polymer and metal layer combination may be adapted to configure an impedance converter in the same way as a quarter wavelength impedance converter, converting from low impedance to high impedance (metal to polymer) or from a high impedance to low impedance (polymer to metal). This structure may be used for front matching with the propagation medium and back matching with an absorber for ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer arraying at even intervals ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and layering a plurality of acoustic matching layers on them, comprising an transducer shape forming member made of a fiber-reinforced thermosetting PPE for filling a gap formed on the side face of the ultrasonic transducer with the same material as that of the acoustic matching layer, mixing a colorant in a division member adjacent to a predefined ultrasonic transducer from among a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and arraying the plurality thereof.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound transducer includes a first ultrasonic emitter and at least one metallic ultrasonic lens acoustically coupled thereto. The emitter generates ultrasonic energy that propagates along a beam path projecting therefrom. The at least one metallic ultrasonic lens is positioned at least partially in the beam path so that it can direct (e.g., focus, defocus, and/or collimate) in at least one direction (or along at least one plane) at least some of the ultrasonic energy propagating from the emitter. The metallic lens may be formed by extrusion, by molding (e.g., diecast molding or thermoforming), or by sintering (e.g., powder metallurgy). The metallic lens also advantageously functions as a heat sink, improving thermal performance of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: In one aspect, matching layers for an ultrasonic transducer stack having a matching layer comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In another aspect, the matrix material is loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In another aspect, an ultrasound transducer stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and at least one matching layer. In one aspect, the matching layer comprises a composite material comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In a further aspect, the composite material can also comprise a matrix material loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In a further aspect, a matching layer can also comprise cyanoacrylate.

Abstract: A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a backing layer including backing members, a first connector bonded between the backing members and including electrodes spaced from each other in an arrangement direction, and a piezoelectric member electrically connected to the electrodes. A method of manufacturing the same is also disclosed. The piezoelectric member is connected to the first connector or to first and second connectors via an electrode layer instead of using a complicated and laborious soldering operation, thereby enabling easy connection between the piezoelectric member and the connector while preventing deterioration in performance caused by defective connection therebetween and deterioration in performance of the piezoelectric member caused by heat during manufacturing operation.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer assembly comprises a bipolar transducer (1) having an active surface with opposite ends that move towards and away from one another in response to an applied electrical fields. An acoustic decoupling material (2) is fixed to one end of the transducer surface, the acoustic decoupling material being such that it substantially prevents acoustic signals passing therethrough and substantially prevents coupling of the transducer's active surface.

Abstract: A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The probe includes a backing layer having a first electrode part, a piezoelectric member connected to the first electrode part, a sound matching layer having a second electrode part connected to the piezoelectric member, and a PCB connected to the first and second electrode parts. The probe is configured to allow easy and rapid connection between the piezoelectric member and the PCB while providing improved durability and uniformity to a connected part between the piezoelectric member and the PCB, thereby enabling easy and rapid manufacture of the probe while preventing deterioration in performance caused by defective connection between the piezoelectric member and the PCB.

Abstract: A technique that can make a heat radiation effect higher and makes even a transmission voltage of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus higher and then makes a diagnostic depth deeper is disclosed.

Abstract: Ultrasound probes that transmits/receives ultrasound pulses with frequencies both in a low frequency (LF) and a high frequency (HF) band, where the radiation surfaces of said HF and LF bands at least have a common region. Several solutions for transmission (and reception) of LF and HF pulses through the same radiation surface are given. The arrays and elements can be of a general type, for example linear phased or switched arrays, or annular arrays or elements with division in both azimuth and elevation direction, like a 1.5D, a 1.75D and a full 2D array. The LF and HF element division and array apertures can also be different.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic backing composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 20 to 80% by weight of the vinyl acetate units and a filler contained in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid flows longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the liquid being treated in the chamber.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.

Abstract: A driving mechanism comprises: (i) an actuator comprising: an electro-mechanical conversion element; a driving member which is connected to one end of the electro-mechanical conversion element and moves in accordance with elongation or contraction of the electro-mechanical conversion element; and a weight member provided on the other end of the electro-mechanical conversion element; and (ii) a driven member frictionally engaged with the driving member, wherein the actuator allows the driven member to move along the driving member, and the weight member comprises a member which reduces a resonance frequency of the actuator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor composed of a substrate and a piezoelectric vibrator mounted on the substrate is advantageously used as a sensor for detecting a distance to an object located in front of an automotive vehicle. Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the sensor are reflected by the object, and the reflected waves are received by the sensor. Based on the reflected waves, the distance from the vehicle to the object is calculated. To reduce rigidity and thereby to lower a resonant frequency of the substrate to a desirable level, grooves are formed in the substrate. A thickness of the substrate is not reduced to maintain its mechanical strength against an impact force. A resonant frequency which is desirable to realize a sufficiently high directivity and sensitivity is obtained in this manner without enlarging a size of the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer has a rectangular piezo-electric ceramic sheet piece 2 which has a retracted portion 1 on a side face, an upper electrode layer 3 placed on an upper surface of the ceramic sheet piece, 4 a first terminal electrode that is placed on the upper surface of the ceramic sheet piece and connected to the upper electrode layer 3, a lower electrode layer 5 placed on the lower surface of the ceramic sheet piece, an electro-conductive layer 6 that is placed on the retracted side face 1 and connected to the lower electrode layer 5, a second terminal electrode 7 that is placed on the upper surface of the ceramic sheet piece and is connected to the electro-conductive layer 6, a first lead wire 9a connected to the first terminal electrode, a second lead wire 9b connected to the second terminal electrode 7, an acoustic matching layer 10 placed on the upper electrode layer, and an acoustic absorbing layer 11 placed on the surface of the lower electrode layer.

Abstract: Acoustic resonator device (1) includes an active element (6) and a support provided with a membrane (5). The active element (6) is provided with at least one piezoelectric layer (10) and is surmounted by a multilayer stack (12). The multilayer stack (12) is provided with at least three layers, including at least one layer (15) of high acoustic impedance and at least one layer (13) of low acoustic impedance. An integrated circuit including at least one such acoustic resonator device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor device includes an ultrasonic transducer and a hollow case. The ultrasonic transducer includes a tubular housing having a bottom, a piezoelectric element and a vibrating surface. The piezoelectric element is fixed to an inner surface of the bottom of the tubular housing. The vibrating surface is an outer surface of the bottom of the tubular housing. The hollow case includes an opening surface, through which the hollow case receives the ultrasonic transducer such that the vibrating surface is externally exposed. The ultrasonic sensor limits an impact due to a collision by an object from being transmitted to the vibrating surface by use of a filter, which is located over the vibrating surface.

Abstract: One or more chips, integrated circuits, or semiconductors are embedded within a backing block. Planar sheets of backing material are formed with integrated circuits within holes in the sheets. Traces connect the integrated circuit to electrodes or exposed conductive surfaces. A plurality of the planar sheets may be manufactured using wafer processing, such as pick and place of chips in a wafer of backing material and IC redistribution for forming the traces. The different sheets are cut from the wafer and stacked adjacent each other. The transducer connects with the exposed electrodes or conductive surfaces of the backing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic backing composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 20 to 80% by weight of the vinyl acetate units and a filler contained in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A backing material that is advantageous in insulation property and can realize a desired acoustic impedance without making the cross-linking and curing reaction of elastomer or resin as a parent material unstable. The backing material is provided on a backside of vibrators for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasonic waves in an ultrasonic probe, and the backing material includes: a parent material containing elastomer or resin and having an insulation property; and composite powder dispersed to fill the parent material, and the composite powder includes powder of a material having a larger acoustic impedance than that of the parent material and an insulation coating for covering a surface of the powder, and the insulation coating contains an oxide of an element of group XIII to group XV except for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P).

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducer including a multi-layer transformer arranged between a backing block and piezoelectric layer on each of which at least one matching layer is arranged. The transformer includes a substrate having an electronic circuit, one or more acoustically active layers and an interconnect layer interposed between the piezoelectric layer and the substrate. The properties of the substrate, each acoustically active layer and the interconnect layer are selected and then the acoustic impedance of the transformer at a side of the piezoelectric layer adjacent the transformer is determined. The properties are then varied, e.g., using a computer simulation, until values for these properties are obtained which provide a desired acoustic performance characteristic at the side of the piezoelectric layer adjacent the transformer. The electronic circuit is thus considered in the determination of the acoustic impedance of the transformer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic backing composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 20 to 80% by weight of the vinyl acetate units and a filler contained in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The acoustic coupler comprises no more than one decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonator (IDSBAR). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler based on a single IDSBAR is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit/s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer which is formed by sequentially laminating an acoustic lens, an acoustic matching layer, a piezoelectric element, and a backing member. The backing member arranged on a surface opposed side of the acoustic matching layer and the acoustic lens arranged to the piezoelectric element contains a synthetic rubber containing a mixture including acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylen-propylene terpolymer (EPDM), and at least inorganic fine powders.

Abstract: A support 7 for an acoustic resonator 4 includes at least one bilayer assembly having a layer of high acoustic impedance material 11 and a layer of low acoustic impedance material 12 made of material having a low electrical permittivity.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator assembly includes a layer of high-acoustic-impedance material and a layer of low-acoustic-impedance material made of a low-electrical-permittivity material. This assembly may support the resonator over an interconnect layer or act as a decoupling assembly between two active elements of the resonator. The assembly may alternatively include three low-acoustic impedance layers. Alternatively, the assembly may include three acoustic impedance layers wherein two of the layers are low acoustic impedance layers and the third layer has a higher acoustic impedance than the first two or alternatively is a high-acoustic impedance layer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprises an acoustic backing layer made of a composite resin material including a resin and a plurality of bonded fibers contained the resin, each of the bonded fibers being formed of a plurality of zinc oxide fibers bonded to each other at one edge portions and extending in different directions in the other edge portions, the composite resin material exhibiting an acoustic impedance of 1.3 to 6 MRayls at 25° C., a plurality of channels arranged on the acoustic backing layer with space, each channel having a piezoelectric element and an acoustic matching layer formed on the piezoelectric element, and an acoustic lens formed to cover at least the surface of the acoustic matching layer of each channel.

Abstract: Backing blocks, transducer arrays and methods are provided for thermal cycle survivability. By decoupling a portion of the backing block from a case used to contain the transducer stack, the greater thermal expansion properties of most backing blocks may be minimized. For example, a rim is formed on the backing block material. The rim is bonded to the case structure while other portions of the backing block remain free of bonding to the case structure. During thermal cycling or other temperature changes, the backing block may be less likely to expand or bulge and crack, delaminate or damage transducer elements or other transducer materials.

Abstract: A film bulk acoustic resonator, includes first to fourth insulator patterns disposed apart from each other. The third and fourth insulator patterns are disposed opposite the second and first insulator patterns in relation to the first and second insulating patterns, respectively. A bottom conductive layer is disposed above the first and third insulator patterns spreading from a region between the first and second insulator patterns to the third insulator pattern. A piezoelectric film is provided on the bottom conductive layer, disposed above the region between the first and second insulating patterns. A top conductive layer is facing the bottom conductive layer so as to sandwich the piezoelectric film, spreading from the region between the first and second insulator patterns to the fourth insulator pattern.

Abstract: A sound or ultrasound sensor having a radiation characteristic with a preferably small beam angle and producing very little interference signals, including a pot-shaped housing closed at its bottom end by a floor, a piezoelectric element for producing and/or receiving sound or ultrasound through the floor, a matching layer between the piezoelectric element and the floor, and a metal ring gripping around the matching layer with an interlocking fit.