Hybrid piezoelectric for ultrasonic probes
US5638822A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB06B1/067
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An ultrasonic probe for coupling acoustic signals between the probe and a medium is provided. The ultrasonic probe has a piezoelectric element having a plurality of piezoelectric layers each having a different acoustic impedance. The piezoelectric layers are stacked in progressive order of acoustic impedance such that the layer with the acoustic impedance nearest to that of the medium is proximate the medium. At least one of said piezoelectric layers is made of piezoelectric composite material. The ultrasonic probe further has an electrode means for electrically coupling the piezoelectric layers to a voltage source for applying an oscillation voltage potential to each piezoelectric layer. The probe further has a control means for controlling the polarization of at least one of the piezoelectric layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.