Patent ID: 6504289
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: B06B,H01L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An ultrasonic transducer apparatus comprising:a substrate having an array of apertures respectively formed therein at predetermined positions on the substrate such that the array forms a given area within the substrate; a layer of polymeric piezoelectric material disposed on the substrate, the layer of piezoelectric material having a plurality of protuberances each being defined by a respective portion of the piezoelectric material extending into a corresponding one the apertures, the plurality of protuberances being substantially permanently formed and defining an active area of the transducer corresponding to the given area of the substrate; wherein a resonance frequency of the transducer is a function of a shape of the protuberances as determined by at least one dimension of the apertures, and wherein a vertical and horizontal beam angle associated with the transducer is controllable as a function of the dimensions of the active area of the transducer.