Nanocomposite materials for high frequency ultrasound matching layers

A new class of materials for ultrasonic acoustic matching layers is presented. The materials exhibit nanoscale cerium oxide particles with diameters between 10 nm and 15 nm in an organic inorganic hybrid polymer matrix. By the content of particles the acoustic impedance of the material can be adjusted on values between 4 MRayl and 7 MRayl. The materials are synthesized by a hydrolytic condensation combined with polymerization. This way of synthesis allows the use of organic solvents to adjust the viscosity of the sol and the application of different coating techniques. 100 MHz zinc oxide ultrasound transducers were produced with a photolithographic technology and measured with the new matching layers. The measurements showed a significant increase in voltage signal amplitude with the new matching layer.