An investigation into the design of high frequency two-dimensional arrays for ultrasonic imaging

This paper compares different piezoelectric materials for use in two-dimensional monolithic ultrasonic arrays. A 1-3 piezoelectric composite comprising of PZT ceramic and a stiff polymer was selected, using a linear systems model for the design of the two-dimensional array under different electrical operating conditions. Finite element analysis was used to determine the geometry to produce an undistorted thickness mode with a large surface dilation quality. However, it was found that the effect of the electrode pattern was to decrease this dilation quality because of strongly coupled lateral activity. Techniques to improve the dilation quality were investigated. Finally, a prototype array was used to capture experimental image data and the reconstructed image was compared to that generated by simulation