Stretchable 10×1-3 Composite Array for 3D Imaging on Complex Surfaces
This stretchable ultrasonic array conforms to nonplanar surfaces where rigid probes fail to maintain acoustic coupling. The device integrates a 10×10 array of 1–3 piezoelectric composites in an island-bridge architecture with five-layer serpentine copper interconnects, encapsulated in silicone elastomer. Biaxial stretchability exceeds 50%, enabling conformal contact with concave, convex, and sinusoidal surfaces. Each of the 100 elements is individually addressable. The 1–3 composites suppress lateral vibrations, yielding high electromechanical coupling (keff ~0.60), broad bandwidth (~47%), and exceptionally low crosstalk (~−70 dB). 3D volumetric imaging of internal defects through complex surfaces is demonstrated.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Array Configuration | 10 × 10 (100 elements) |
Center Frequency | ~3.5 MHz |
Bandwidth (‑6 dB) | 47.1% |
Piezoelectric Material | 1–3 PZT/epoxy composite |
Element Footprint | 1.2 × 1.2 mm |
Element Pitch | 2.0 mm |
Electromechanical Coupling (keff) | 0.60 |
Crosstalk (adjacent elements) | ~‑70 dB |
Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio | ~20.2 dB |
Axial Resolution (FWHM) | ~610 μm |
Backing Material | Ag‑epoxy composite |
Interconnect Geometry | Horseshoe serpentine, five‑layer |
Encapsulation | Ecoflex 0030 silicone |
Maximum Biaxial Stretchability | >50% |
Imaging Algorithm | DMAS |
Demonstrated Surface Geometries | Flat, concave, convex, sinusoidal |
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