Harmonic cMUT devices and fabrication methods
First Claim
1. In a forward or side looking catheter device having a plurality of cMUT arrays for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy, the forward looking intravascular device comprising:
- a plurality of cMUT arrays being disposed on a substrate in a spaced apart arrangement so that the cMUT arrays are disposed at differing locations,the plurality of cMUT arrays each comprising a plurality of cMUT elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of cMUT elements comprise a flexible membrane disposed above the membrane and a membrane frequency adjustor for adjusting a vibration mode of the membrane.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Harmonic capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a harmonic cMUT device generally comprises a membrane having a non-uniform mass distribution. A mass load positioned along the membrane can be utilized to alter the mass distribution of the membrane. The mass load can be a part of the membrane and formed of the same material or a different material as the membrane. The mass load can be positioned to correspond with a vibration mode of the membrane, and also to adjust or shift a vibration mode of the membrane. The mass load can also be positioned at predetermined locations along the membrane to control the harmonic vibrations of the membrane. A cMUT can also comprise a cavity defined by the membrane, a first electrode proximate the membrane, and a second electrode proximate a substrate. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. In a forward or side looking catheter device having a plurality of cMUT arrays for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy, the forward looking intravascular device comprising:
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a plurality of cMUT arrays being disposed on a substrate in a spaced apart arrangement so that the cMUT arrays are disposed at differing locations, the plurality of cMUT arrays each comprising a plurality of cMUT elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of cMUT elements comprise a flexible membrane disposed above the membrane and a membrane frequency adjustor for adjusting a vibration mode of the membrane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A cMUT-based device configured as a forward or side looking intravascular ultrasonic array device that comprises a plurality of cMUT devices, the forward or side looking ultrasonic array device comprising:
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a plurality of cMUT devices formed in a plurality of array portions, the array portions being disposed at differing locations of a substrate that carries the cMUT devices; and at least a portion of the cMUT devices comprising a membrane that defines a cavity situated between the membrane and the substrate, and wherein a mass load is disposed proximate the membrane, the mass load being configured to adapt the membrane to receive energy at a predetermined frequency. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification