Patent ID: 6821253
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: B06B

Abstract:
An ultrasound transducer array, in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which can be electrically operated independently, are arranged in an array, and comprising:one or a plurality of matching layers, provided on the acoustic radiation surface side of said piezoelectric elements; a conductive material layer, provided on the side of said matching layer joined with said piezoelectric elements, in the direction along the array direction, a portion of which is in contact with and electrically connected to said piezoelectric elements along said array direction, and a portion of which is not in contact with said piezoelectric elements along said array direction; a plurality of grooves, which mechanically and electrically insulate said piezoelectric elements and at least a portion of said matching layer for each electrically independently operable element; and, conductive material, which fills at least a part of the portions of said grooves formed where said piezoelectric elements and said conductive material layer are not in contact.