Low Impedance Two Dimensional Ultrasonic Imaging Array Transducer

Under separate Navy funding, MSI has developed a low cost injection molding process for piezocomposite fabrication that has made these innovative materials available for the first time in manufacturing quantities. MSI has used this technology to make large area 1-3 type piezoelectric ceramic/polymer composite actuator panels for use in undersea sensing, actuation, and acoustic imaging. In one program, MSI is adapting its piezocomposite designs to fabricate transducers that couple efficiently to air or water. In another, the company has adapted its injection molding process to form extremely fine transducer arrays, suitable for high frequency applications. In this program, MSI plans to utilize these piezoelectric composite manufacturing capabilities to form 2D arrays for use in 3D ultrasonic imaging. By appropriately configuring the array elements, a completely new ultrasonic imaging actuation approach has been identified for pulse-echo 3D imaging. The new design offers low electrical and acoustic impedance, along with ease of fabrication through net-shape injection molding. In Phase I, MSI will utilize its injection molding process to form two new PZT 2D transducer array structures that are configurable to cover a wide range of frequencies for imaging applications from low frequency undersea mine countermeasures to megahertz frequency medical ultrasound.