Optimizing sensors for imaging ultrasonic measurement instrumentation

Nowadays an increasing number of micro-manufactured sensors, actuators and components vibrate at frequencies in the high MHz range. These include, for example, ultrasound sensors or transducers as used for imaging in medical applications. To test the functionality of these components, to check existing simulation models and to optimize the design of the systems, you have to measure their dynamic behavior. Laser Doppler vibrometry is one of the few available solutions for this. It allows for non-contact characterization across all frequencies – even for broadband excitation. The deflection shapes can be visualized in an impressive way. Crosstalk in arrays can be recorded and graphically illustrated, just like the timing of the individual array elements. Even transients and relaxation behavior can be examined with ease. Being an optical measurement method, laser vibrometry also enables you to perform measurements through transparent liquids, so ultrasonic transducers can be characterized in the actual application-oriented loading case.

Areal examination up to the Gigahertz regime

Determine the behavior of samples vibrating at high frequencies of up to 2.4 GHz with relative ease and great precision. Short measurement time and scanning entire areas at once is a significant advantage of the measuring method and finally improves the development process in particular. As an alternative to measuring the 3D sound field using a noise sensor installed in the room, you can now determine the resulting sound field simply with one or more scanned measurements and the subsequent simulation.

Your PolyXpert in Vibrometry