Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by You Ling
Application of Piezoelectric Ceramics in Ultrasonic Scanning
What is ultrasonic scanning?
Ultrasonic scanning is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels. It is commonly used to visualize the structure and function of organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and fetus, as well as to assess blood flow in the major vessels.
How does ultrasonic scanning work?
Here’s how the process works:
Transducer: A transducer, which is a device that converts electrical energy into sound waves and vice versa, is placed on the surface of the skin over the area being examined. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the body, which are reflected back to the transducer.
Reflected waves: The reflected sound waves are picked up by the transducer and converted into electrical signals. These signals are then processed by a computer to create images of the internal organs and tissues.
Image production: The images produced by ultrasonic scanning are real-time, two-dimensional images that can be viewed on a screen. The images show the size, shape, and structure of organs and tissues, as well as the flow of blood through the blood vessels.
Ultrasonic scanning is a safe and painless procedure that does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, making it an ideal diagnostic tool for pregnancy and fetal imaging. It is also widely used to assess the health of organs and tissues, to diagnose conditions such as gallstones, liver cysts, and tumors, and to guide therapeutic procedures such as biopsy and needle aspiration.
Overall, ultrasonic scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of medical conditions.
Which piezo elements can be used for ultrasonic scanning?
Linear arrays are commonly used in medical imaging devices because they allow for more accurate and detailed images to be produced. These arrays consist of multiple transducer elements arranged in a line, which can be focused and aimed at different parts of the body to produce high-resolution images.
In terms of material selection, softer ceramics, such as PZT-51, are often preferred for their low-quality factor, which refers to the ratio of energy stored to energy lost in the material per cycle. Lower-quality factor materials are preferred for medical imaging applications because they are less prone to mechanical resonances and can produce more consistent images.
PZT-51 is a commonly used piezoelectric material for medical imaging applications, and it is often used for making sensors due to its high piezoelectric coefficient and low mechanical loss. Additionally, PZT-51 is a soft material, which allows it to be machined into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it suitable for use in a wide range of medical imaging devices.
