Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which materials can be used to make piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
ultrasonics
Learn how collapsing bubbles with sound can create sonoluminescence.
Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers are constructed from materials that lack a center of symmetry, allowing them to generate mechanical vibrations when subjected to an oscillating electric field.123
The primary materials used for these transducers include:
- Natural Crystals: Quartz is a well-known naturally occurring piezoelectric crystal used for its stability and high quality factor.123
- Piezoelectric Ceramics: These polycrystalline materials are highly versatile and widely used in both broadband and nonresonant devices. Key examples include:1
- Lead zirconate titanate (PZT)13
- Lead magnesium niobate (PMN)1
- Other Materials: Rochelle salt and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate are also utilized for their piezoelectric properties. Additionally, developers have created thin films of polymeric plastic that function as pressure transducers.23
These materials are essential for converting electrical energy into the high-frequency mechanical vibrations required for ultrasound applications, ranging from medical imaging to industrial cleaning and sonar.123