ULTRASOUND IMAGING : TRANSDUCERS
Ultrasound transducer A typical source of ultrasound is a transducer, which works on the principle of piezoelectric effect. Transducer is a device which convert energy from one form to another.. In transducer the piezoelectric crystal like quartz converts electrical energy into US energy and vise versa. Piezoelectric material or crystal Piezoelectric means pressure electricity. Piezoelectric materials have molecular dipoles containing + & - electric charges, and the net charges is zero. If electrical voltage is applied across the crystal, the dipole orientation changes, resulting in variation of crystal thickness. The crystal undergoes compression and expression, and ultrasound waves are produce. Natural piezoelectric material is quartz crystal and synthetic ceremic material is most commonly used as crystal e.g. lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or polyvinylidene difluoride. Transducer design US transducer consist five main components 1.Piezoelectric crystal 2. Matching la...