Split-mode ultrasonic transducer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Acoustics
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Conventional ultrasonic transducers often require metal coatings, limiting their use in sensitive applications.
• Developing advanced ultrasonic devices for micro-scale applications and biomedical interventions is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the theory and experimental validation of a novel split-mode ultrasonic transducer.
• To explore the potential of a ferroelectric wafer-based transducer with free surfaces for diverse applications.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of acoustic vibrations and acousto-electric resonances in a periodically poled ferroelectric wafer.
• Experimental excitation of acoustic vibrations using radio frequency electric current.
• Analysis of acoustic mode splitting and its relation to domain length.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a split-mode ultrasonic transducer with periodically poled domains and free surfaces.
• Observed multiple acousto-electric resonances due to acoustic mode splitting.
• Experimental results showed good agreement with theoretical calculations.

Conclusions:

• The developed split-mode ultrasonic transducer offers a promising platform for micro-scale ultrasound generation and detection.
• The unmetallized surface design opens avenues for advanced biomedical applications, including intravascular imaging and localized ultrasound therapy.
• Potential for dual-action therapeutic applications combining ultrasound and electric fields was highlighted.