Finite element modelling of the 1-D piezoceramic ultrasound array inter-element cross-coupling

Electro-mechanical cross-coupling is responsible for undesired behavior in radiation field patterns and electroacoustic response of the ultrasound transducers for medical imaging. This undesired behavior is ultimately impairing the end echographic image quality [1,2]. The aim of our research is to study the influence of the dicing depth, for given kerf material properties, on the cross-coupling dB level. Mechanical cross-coupling was analyzed in the case of a 1-D ultrasound transducer using finite element modeling (FEM). The results were compared with experiments that were based on impedance analysis, laser interferometry and hydrophone measurements.