Towards Additive Manufacturing of Broadband Metamaterial Matching Layers using Two-Photon Polymerization Lithography

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Enhancing the bandwidth (BW) of ultrasonic transducers is essential for improving medical imaging and sensing. Gradient metamaterial matching layers (MMLs) offer superior performance compared to conventional quarter-wavelength matching layers (CMLs) but are difficult to fabricate. This work demonstrates the use of Two-Photon Polymerization Lithography (TPP), an additive manufacturing technique with micron-scale resolution, to produce cone-shaped microstructures from acoustic hard (IP-Q/IP-S) materials that are filled with soft (PDMS) materials. These structures create a gradient in acoustic impedance. Fabrication was performed on glass substrates and piezocomposites, and acoustic performance was evaluated in water. Results show the TPP-fabricated MML on a glass substrate achieves a 67 % higher BW than with no ML and comparable to a CML, while also transmitting higher sound pressure. A MML transducer was fabricated with a 136 % relative BW. This proves the feasibility of TPP-fabricated MMLs and their potential for advancing ultrasonic transducer technology.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2025 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium, IUS 2025
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
ISBN (electronic)9798331523329
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesIEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium, IUS
ISSN1948-5719

Conference

Title2025 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium, IUS 2025
Abbreviated titleIUS 2025
Conference number62
Duration15 - 18 September 2025
Website
Degree of recognitionInternational event
LocationJaarbeurs Event & Exhibition Centre
CityUtrecht
CountryNetherlands

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-3295-0727/work/203067884
ORCID /0000-0002-0676-6926/work/203072154
ORCID /0009-0004-0685-2463/work/203072624
ORCID /0000-0001-5921-9478/work/203072637

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Acoustic Metamaterial, Broadband, Gradient Matching Layer, Two-Photon Polymerization Lithography, Ultrasonic Transducer