Patent ID: 7316059
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: A61B,B06B,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic probe, the method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of first slits on a layered assembly having a first inner electrode member and a second inner electrode member from a top surface of the layered assembly and forming a plurality of second slits through a bottom surface of the layered assembly such that they are parallel to and alternate with the plurality of first slits; forming a first vertical electrode layer on each side surface within each of the first slits, the first vertical electrode layer being electrically connected with the first inner electrode member and being insulated with respect to the second inner electrode member, thereby forming a plurality of first specified structures corresponding to the plurality of first slits; forming a second vertical electrode layer on each side surface within each of the second slits, the second vertical electrode layer being electrically connected with the second inner electrode member and being insulated with respect to the first inner electrode member, thereby forming a plurality of second specified structures corresponding to the plurality of second slits; after formation of the plurality of first specified structures and the plurality of second specified structures, forming a plurality of separating slits on the layered assembly, thereby dividing the layered assembly into a plurality of transducer elements; and prior to the formation of the plurality of first slits and the plurality of second slits, performing compounding in the horizontal direction with respect to the layered assembly; and wherein the steps of performing compounding comprises the steps of: