Abstract The ultrasonic probe of this invention contains a uniaxially elongated polymer piezoelectric element in which the piezoelectric element provided at the both sides with a thin layer electrode is disposed such that at least one of the electrodes is divided into long and small electrode portions to form a unit element and the unit elements are arranged in a direction at an angle in the scope ranging from 45° to 135° with respect to the direction in which the piezoelectric material is uniaxially elongated. The ultrasonic probe having the aforesaid structure is constructed such that each of the unit elements undergoes no adverse influence from the adjacent unit elements so that it permits a high resolving power without any noise acoustic waves generated.
An ultrasonic probe containing a piezoelectric element comprising: a backing material; a uniaxially elongated polymer piezoelectric material; the piezoelectric material interposed between a pair of electrodes; at least one of the electrodes being divided into a plurality of long and small electrode portions and arranged in parallel with each other; and the electrodes being arranged at an angle θ in the scope ranging from 45° to 135° with respect to the direction in which the piezoelectric material is uniaxially elongated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
An ultrasonic probe containing a piezoelectric element comprising: a backing material; a uniaxially elongated polymer piezoelectric material; the piezoelectric material interposed between a pair of electrodes; at least one of the electrodes being divided into a plurality of long and small electrode portions and arranged in parallel with each other; and the electrodes being arranged at an angle θ in the scope ranging from 45° to 135° with respect to the direction in which the piezoelectric material is uniaxially elongated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the divided electrodes are disposed at substantially the right angle with respect to the direction in which the piezoelectric material is uniaxially elongated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the electrodes provided at the both sides of the piezoelectric material in the thin layer form is divided into a plurality of long and small electrode portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element is divided into a plurality of long and small unit elements, each of which is interposed between a pair of electrodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element is bonded to the backing material.