Phased array based on novel PZN-PT single crystals

In recent years, large-size lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (PZN-PT) single crystals can be obtained due to the improvement of its manufacturing process. Compared to lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, such novel PZN-PT single crystals can offer higher electromechanical coupling coefficients and piezoelectric constants, presents great potential to significantly increase the bandwidth and sensitivity of medical ultrasound transducers. However, PZN-PT has a relatively low Curie temperature (about 160 degrees C), and the piezoelectric properties start to deteriorate at around 105 degrees C. In this study, low temperature bonding process was introduced to connect the signal and ground wires with the electrode on the piezoelectric materials instead of the traditional welding process to fabricate phased array based on novel PZN-PT single crystals. The final results shows that the center frequency and the -6 dB fractional bandwidth of the developed phased array are 3.1 MHz and 72.5 %, respectively.