Module 1 : Transducer Construction Flashcards
(49 cards)
The Ultrasound Probe
Aka = transducer
Converts energy from one form to another
EXAMPLES - MICROPHONES, EAR, LIGHTBULB, OVENS, BATTERY, MOTOR
In ultrasound we convert electrical energy to mechanical energy then back to electrical
Transducer
Piezoelectric crystal or element
Signal conversion device
Crystal
Piezoelectric material
Element
Another name for piezoelectric electric crystal
Scan head
Another name for transducer
Probe
Another name for transducer
Transducer assembly
Another name for transducer including housing and internal circuitry
Parts of the transducer
Housing
Backing material
Crystal
Matching layer
Housing
Contains all prob components
Backing material
Mixture of metal and plastic or epoxy bonded to the back of the crystal
Crystal
Ceramic element that has piezoelectric properties
Matching layer
Used to reduce sound reflection from the skin and enhance sound transmission
WE SEE ONE MATCHING LAYER ON THE TRANSDUCER FACE
Tuning coil
Helps machine match the frequency of the probe
Electric shield
Keeps away outside interference from affecting image
Insulator ring
Stops radial mode from occurring
THE CRYSTAL - history
Piezoelectric principle discovered by curie brothers in 1880
Principle explains why some materials can convert electrical energy to mechanical and vice versa
THE CRYSTAL - materials
Natural materials - quartz, lithium sulphate, rochelle salt, tourmaline
Man made ceramics - lead zirconate, lead titanite, barium titanate, LEAD ZIRCONATE TITANATE (PZT- ceramic), *POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE (PVFD- polymer)
*most currently used and achieves the best image
THE CRYSTAL- piezoelectric effect
The DIRECT piezoelectric effect occurs when mechanical pressure deforms the crystal which changes the orientation of the electric DIPOLE producing a small voltage
the reverse INDIRECT effect is the opposite when the electric voltage changes the orientation of the DIPOLES cause the crystal to expand and contract
THE CRYSTAL - dipoles
Dipoles are molecules within the crystal that have a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other end
It can be influenced by an electric or magnetic field
THE CRYSTAL -dipole orientation
Normally the dipoles are in random alignment which makes the crystal inefficient for vibration when an electrical current applied
If the dipoles are in alignment then the vibration of the crystal will be much improved
THE CRYSTAL - vibration
When the crystal vibrates we much consider the different modes of vibration that may occur
Early probes the crystal was disc shaped and could vibrate in a THICKNESS MODE or a RADIAL MODE ( dont like radial it creates artifact NEED INSULATOR RING)
THE CRYSTAL - modes
Modern probes the crystal is shaped differently and there are three modes of vibration
THICKNESS
LENGTH
WIDTH
thickness is the one we want
THE CRYSTAL - synthetic
Synthetic material used in the production of the crystal so the a more pure product can be developed
Less imperfections if process is careful
THE CRYSTAL - curie temperature
When a substance is heated beyond the curie temp the bonds weaken
If the substance is subjected to an electrical field when dipoles align accordingly
Substance then cooled and bonds strengthen
* curie temp for PZT is 350’
This is how we align properly to enhance the piezoelectric effect