PhysicsChapter 11: Medical Imaging
Inverse Piezoelectric Effect and Ultrasound
The inverse piezoelectric effect
Definition
The inverse piezoelectric effect is the mechanical deformation of a piezoelectric material when an electric field or potential difference is applied.
Transmission
The inverse effect reverses the basic conversion of the direct piezoelectric effect. Electrical signal → mechanical deformation If an alternating voltage is applied, the crystal repeatedly expands and contracts. At sufficiently high frequency, these oscillations can produce ultrasound waves. An ultrasound transducer can therefore perform two jobs: Electrical pulses → crystal vibration → ultrasound.
Reception
Returning ultrasound → crystal vibration → electrical signal.
Formula / Key Relation
**Inverse effect: Electrical → Mechanical Direct effect: Mechanical → Electrical**
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ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER
- SEND: E → M
- RECEIVE: M → E
60-second revision
- Alternating voltage makes the crystal vibrate and produce ultrasound.
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