Development of ultra-high frequency ultrasonic probe for high resolution ultrasound imaging

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K21460
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Life / Health / Medical informatics; Thin film/Surface and interfacial physical properties
• Research Institution: Toin University of Yokohama
• Principal Investigator: Ishikawa Mutsuo 桐蔭横浜大学, 医用工学部, 講師(移行) (90451864)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 高周波超音波 / 圧電体 / 超音波トランスデューサ / 超音波プローブ / 圧電薄膜

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The resolution of ultrasonic imaging depends on a shortness of a wave length of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving(T-R). And then frequency characteristics of the ultrasonic T-R depend on thickness of ultrasonic transducer materials. It is necessary to keep thin piezoelectric materials with superior piezo-electricity. Therefore, we have developed high frequency ultrasonic transducer with piezoelectric films for high resolution ultrasonic imaging. In the present study, high quality layer of an epitaxial thin KNbO3 films and thin PbTiO3 films. And then, a prototype ultrasonic probe the electrodes of ultrasonic transducer were fabricated using the spattering method and inkjet technology. And so a prototype ultra-high ultrasonic probe was fabricated using the piezoelectric layer films. Moreover the characteristics of ultrasonic S/N ratio of T-R and frequency characteristics of the fabricated ultrasonic transducer were measured.

Free Research Field

超音波　圧電材料