An Acoustically-transparent Electrical Cap for Piezoelectric Ultrasound Transducer on Silicon

Abstract (2023)
Author(s)

Gandhika K. Wardhana (TU Delft - Bio-Electronics)

T.M. Lopes Marta da Costa (TU Delft - Bio-Electronics)

Max Mastrangeli (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)

Research Group
Bio-Electronics
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024097050
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Research Group
Bio-Electronics
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Abstract

Bulk piezoelectric ultrasound transducers on integrated circuits offer unique properties for therapeutic applications of ultrasound neuromodulation. However, current implementations of such transducers are not optimized for the high transmit efficiency required to stimulate neurons. This is mainly due to the challenge of implementing a metal layer on top of the piezoelectric film using microfabrication techniques. Here, we propose a micromachined capping structure providing an electrical connection on top of the piezoelectric film with minimal acoustic losses. The structure can potentially be used as a common ground connection in phased-array ultrasound transducers.