Bulk wave FSAT for 2D optic fiber endoscopic echograph

Piezoelectric transducers have long dominated US transducer technology, and current state-of-the-art arrays includes high-quality linear, convex and phased array probes. These probes require a large number of individually controlled emitting/receiving elements and the associated wiring and multiplexing circuitry. Such complexity hampers the possibility of manufacturing compact and miniaturized probes. The aim of this work is to describe how to design a bulk wave piezoelectric transducer with beam steering capabilities by simply patterning the distribution of piezoelectric material on the active surface and without using complex electronic devices. Numerical analyses prove the reliability of the detailed approach.