Requirements of piezoelectric materials for medical ultrasound transducers

Abstract

Despite extensive materials development in the past 20+ years, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based ceramics remain the material of choice in many ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging applications. The intent of this paper is to review the issues faced when choosing a piezoelectric material for a commercial transducer product. Material choices range from the aforementioned PZT family, to other ceramics such as barium titanate, modified lead titanate, lead metaniobate, lead magnesium niobate (PMN) based relaxor compositions, as well as a multitude of ceramic/polymer composite types. Piezoelectric copolymers are yet another possibility.