Biomed Eng Lett.  2017 May;7(2):91-97. 10.1007/s13534-017-0021-8.

Ultrasonic transducers for medical diagnostic imaging

• Lee W
• Roh Y

• KMID: 2385972
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13534-017-0021-8

Abstract

Over the past decades, ultrasound imaging technology has made tremendous progress in obtaining important diagnostic information from patients in a rapid, noninvasive manner. Although the technology has benefited from sophisticated signal processing technology and imaging system integration, much of this progress has been derived from the development of ultrasonic transducers that are in direct contact with patients. An overview of medical ultrasonic imaging transducers is presented in this review that describes their structure, types, and application fields. The structural components of a typical transducer are presented in detail including an active layer, acoustic matching layers, a backing block, an acoustic lens, and kerfs. The types of transducers are classified according to the dimensions of ultrasound images: one-dimensional array, mechanical wobbling, and two-dimensional array transducers. Advantages of each transducer over the other and the technical issues for further performance enhancement are described. Application of the transducers to various clinical imaging fields is also reviewed.

Keyword

Ultrasonic transducer; Ultrasound image; 1D array; Mechanical wobbling transducer; 2D array

MeSH Terms

Acoustics
Diagnostic Imaging*
Humans
Transducers*
Ultrasonics*
Ultrasonography