40 MHz PMN-PT Single-Crystal Kerfless Phased Array
This miniature 32-element kerfless phased array is designed for forward-looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging applications. Fabricated from a ⟨001⟩-oriented PMN-PT single crystal lapped to 40 µm thickness, the array achieves a center frequency of 40 MHz with 34% bandwidth and 20 dB insertion loss. The kerfless design—wherein elements are defined solely by photolithographically patterned electrodes without mechanical dicing between elements—enables an extremely compact active aperture of 1.0 × 1.0 mm² with 33 µm element pitch. This configuration supports electronic beam steering over a ±30° field of view, providing forward-looking capability not available in commercial side-looking IVUS catheters. Compared to PZT ceramic-based arrays, the PMN-PT single crystal offers higher dielectric constant and piezoelectric coefficient, yielding improved sensitivity for small-aperture, high-frequency imaging. Both ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modes have been demonstrated with this device.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Array Type | Kerfless phased array |
Number of Elements | 32 |
Center Frequency | 42.6 ± 0.4 MHz |
Bandwidth (‑6 dB) | 34.1 ± 2.2% |
Piezoelectric Material | PMN‑PT single crystal ((001) oriented) |
Element Thickness | 40 μm |
Element Pitch | 33 μm (0.9λ in water) |
Active Array Area | 1.0 × 1.0 mm² |
Electromechanical Coupling (kₜ) | 0.56 ± 0.02 |
Electrical Impedance (at 40 MHz) | 69.9 ± 2.9 Ω |
Insertion Loss | 20.0 ± 1.3 dB |
Matching Layer | Parylene (12 μm) |
Backing Material | E‑Solder 3022 (conductive epoxy) |
Imaging Field of View | ±30° (steered) |
Measured Lateral Resolution (FWHM) | 467 μm |
Measured Axial Resolution (FWHM) | 118 μm |
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