A piezoceramic-piezopolymer composite transducer for improved near field imaging

The modeling, design, and appraisal of a novel piezoceramic-piezopolymer composite transducer for close range imaging are described. The transmitter utilizes the superior electromechanical coupling coefficient of piezoceramic materials in conjunction with appropriate aperture apodization, for the generation of the spatial characteristics required for enhanced near-field imaging. A separate integral piezopolymer array receiver is employed to provide wideband, sensitive reception and operational versatility. By configuring a polyvinylidene (PVDF) receiver as a one-dimensional multielement annular array the reception characteristics may be tailored to provide dynamic axial focusing. The incorporation of such a reception device, coupled with the axial focused field of an apodized transmitter, offers an attractive transduction option.<>