1. Development of a KNN Ceramic-Based Lead-Free Linear Array Ultrasonic Transducer
- Author
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Mark S. Humayun, Weibao Qiu, Ruimin Chen, Bo Wang, Xiaodong Cao, K. Kirk Shung, Zhiqiang Zhang, Jiaxing Yang, Hairong Zheng, Min Su, Tian-Fu Zhang, Qifa Zhou, Rong Liu, and Yongxiang Li
- Subjects
Ceramics ,Materials science ,Acoustics and Ultrasonics ,Acoustics ,Transducers ,02 engineering and technology ,01 natural sciences ,Imaging phantom ,0103 physical sciences ,Insertion loss ,Ceramic ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Center frequency ,010301 acoustics ,Instrumentation ,Image resolution ,Ultrasonography ,Phantoms, Imaging ,Equipment Design ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Piezoelectricity ,Transducer ,visual_art ,visual_art.visual_art_medium ,Ultrasonic sensor ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
High-frequency array transducers can provide higher imaging resolution than traditional transducers, thus resolving smaller features and producing finer images. Commercially available ultrasonic transducers are mostly made with lead-based piezoelectric materials, which are harmful to the environment and public health. This paper presents the development of the 64-elements high-frequency (18.3 MHz) lead-free linear array ultrasonic transducer based on (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.86Ta0.1Sb0.04)O3 (KNLNTS) piezoceramic. Array elements were spaced at a 75- $\mu \text{m}$ pitch, and interconnected via a custom flexible circuit. The two matching layers and a light backing material were used to improve the performance of the array. The developed KNLNTS ceramic-based lead-free linear array exhibited a center frequency of 18.3 MHz, an average −6-dB bandwidth of 42%, an average two-way insertion loss of 41.8 dB, and a crosstalk between the adjacent elements of less than −53 dB near the center frequency. An image of a tungsten wire phantom was acquired using a Verasonics Vantage research ultrasound system. Results from imaging tests demonstrated a good imaging capability with a spatial resolution of $105~\mu \text{m}$ axially and $166~\mu \text{m}$ laterally, indicating that the lead-free linear array ultrasonic transducer based on KNLNTS ceramics is a promising alternative to lead-based transducers for ultrasound medical imaging.
- Published
- 2018