THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF 2-DIMENSIONAL COMPOSITE MATRIX ARRAY

A theoretical and experimental performance appraisal of a two-dimensio nal, ceramic-epoxy composite matrix array employing 1-3 connectivity i s presented. The linear systems approach is used for temporal and spat ial simulation of array performance, with specific regard to three-dim ensional synthetic aperture imaging in a fluid load medium. Manufactur e and experimental evaluation of a prototype array structure, operatin g at 1.2 MHz and comprising 100 elements arranged as a 10 by 10 matrix , is then described. Close agreement between theory and experiment is obtained, providing a clear indication that the low crosstalk, uniform ity, and wideband characteristics of composite array elements offer ex cellent prospects for such imaging applications.