Imasonic’s piezocomposite technology

The concept of a ceramic-polymer piezoelectric composite structure is found mainly in the forms known as “1-3 connectivity” and “2-2 connectivity”.

  • In 1-3 connectivity, fine ceramic rods are coated with a polymer binding agent.
  • In 2-2 connectivity, fine ceramic blades are coated with a polymer binding agent.

The properties of the resulting structure are linked to the properties of the constituent materials and to the geometric characteristics of the structure itself.

The design of a piezocomposite transducer makes use of the mechanical, electrical et piezoelectrical properties of a type 1-3 or 2-2 structure within a stack of passive layers (non-piezoelectric). This multi-layer structure is then interconnected and encapsulated to form a complete transducer, also known as a probe or applicator depending on the field of application.

Imasonic makes use of different forms of the ceramic-polymer piezoelectric composite structure concept. Many functional and technical needs can be covered through various applications of this technology:

  • Transducers with high electroacoustic efficiency and wide bandwidth
  • Annular, linear, matrix array transducers
  • Transducers with a geometry allowing focusing, defocusing or scanning the ultrasound beam
  • Flexible transducers
  • High power level transducers, pulsed or continuous
  • Transducers that are solid, resistant to high usage levels, mechanical, thermal, chemical, etc.

Papers

  • New piezocomposite transducers for therapeutic ultrasound
    G. Fleury, R. Berriet, O. Le Baron, B. Huguenin, Imasonic – France,
    2nd ISTU Conference, 2002, Seattle USA
    Download paper (pdf)