<title>New developments in piezoelectric polymer ultrasound transducers and transducer systems</title>

Abstract

Piezoelectric polymers, such as PVDF and its copolymers, are finding increased use for ultrasound transducers in both medical and nondestructive testing applications. Because of their inherent properties of high compliance, low acoustic impedance, availability in large areas, and broadband acoustic performance, they are particularly useful in medical applications that require miniature transducers for high-frequency/high-resolution and low ultrasonic penetration, such as invasive medical imaging. The technology also provides great utility in nondestructive testing applications which require low-profile ultrasonic inspection of fiber-composite structures, especially for non-planar surfaces. This paper reviews some recent developments in piezoelectric polymer ultrasound transducer technology in both the medical and nondestructive testing (NDT) application areas. The presentation covers recent developments in invasive medical ultrasound transducers and transducer systems that employ the piezoelectric polymer technology for such applications as intraluminal imaging of the coronary arteries. A discussion of piezoelectric polymer ultrasound sensor arrays for NDT of fiber composite structures is also included.