Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers Under Forced Vibration: Improving Acoustic Range and Reducing Dead Zone

This article delves into the enhancement of dynamic performance in piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) under forced vibration in pulse-wave mode, with an emphasis on mitigating dead zone and enhancing axial resolution. The investigation begins with a theoretical framework that elucidates the relationship between the resonant frequency of the device and various excitation parameters, such as the applied frequency and the burst count. Empirical findings illustrate that the operation of PMUTs under forced vibration conditions significantly curtails the duration of ringdown by 40% compared with their resonant performance. Furthermore, acoustic range evaluations indicate that this methodology substantially reduces the dead zone by 37.5% and amplifies the axial resolution of echo signals by approximately 440%. The study concludes that the proposed technique, noted for its universality and straightforwardness, provides a robust solution for enhancing near-range detection capabilities in ultrasonic sensors, thereby heralding considerable progress in the domain of precise acoustic measurements. This article not only explicates the fundamental mechanisms but also substantiates the feasibility and efficacy of employing forced vibration in PMUT across diverse applications.