Waterfall transducer provides acoustic coupling breakthrough

Citation

(1999), "Waterfall transducer provides acoustic coupling breakthrough", Microelectronics International, Vol. 16 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.1999.21816bad.003

Waterfall transducer provides acoustic coupling breakthrough

Waterfall transducer provides acoustic coupling breakthrough

Keywords Sonoscan, Transducers

Sonoscan has introduced a new waterfall transducer which makes immersion of sensitive samples in a tank of water unnecessary.

Since the very high frequency ultrasound used in acoustic micro imaging systems will not travel through air, a more dense medium is needed to couple the ultrasound-pulsing transducer to the sample. Water is the most widely used medium. In the past, sample and transducer were immersed in a water tank during the scanning process.

The waterfall mechanism rides with the transducer and delivers a constant thin screen of water between the transducer and the sample ­ just enough to maintain acoustic coupling. Exposure of the sample to water is greatly reduced, and potential moisture uptake is minimized.

The waterfall transducer makes it much easier to ensure that the water used for coupling remains clean and free from contaminants. It also makes it easier to use other coupling agents, such as alcohol, since the volume needed is very small.

For information about the waterfall transducer, contact Steven R. Martell, technical marketing manager, Sonoscen, Inc., 2149 East Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village IL 60007. Tel: +1 630 766 7088; Fax: +1 630 766 4603; E-mail: info@sonoscan.com.