Reducing crosstalk in array structures by controlling the excitation voltage of individual elements: A feasibility study

This paper describes a procedure to minimize crosstalk between the individual elements of a piezoelectric transducer array. A two-dimensional finite elements model was developed and the excitation voltages predicted by the model were applied to the array prototypes made of PZT 27 ceramic. Symmetric and asymmetric linear phased arrays operating at approximately 450 kHz were tested in the feasibility study. The studies were carried out at low frequency to facilitate the fabrication of the transducer arrays and to check the feasibility in this case. The novelty of our approach is to offer active cancellation of crosstalk in transducer arrays generating continuous waves, even in the presence of fabrication defects. The experimental results showed the validity of the approach and demonstrated that crosstalk can be reduced by about 6-10 dB. In ultrasonic imaging systems, this method could be introduced by using a multichannel generator providing electrical signals containing both phased signals required to focalize and deflect the acoustic beam associated with the correction signals. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.