Patent attributes
A photoetchable glass ceramic is used to form a three dimensional structure for a transducer component. This photostructurable material allows generation of various shapes or structures. For example, a matching layer is formed, in part, using photoetchable glass ceramics with an anechoic-shaped gradient structure. The gradient structures are then filled with materials having desired impedance properties. By allowing generation of desired structures within the matching layer, a desired acoustic impedance property may be provided. As another example, a hollow column is photo etched and used for providing air backing in a backing layer. As yet another example, a transducer layer is formed within a framework of photostructurable material. A plurality of holes with associated shelves is provided for pick-and-place locating of transducer elements within an array. The photostructurable material assists in manufacturing.
