Module 1 : Transducer Construction Flashcards
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