Ultrasonic transducers are devices that convert electrical energy into ultrasonic waves, which are sound waves with frequencies above the range of human hearing (20 kHz). They are commonly used in various applications, including medical imaging, industrial testing, and cleaning. In medical settings, for example, they play a crucial role in ultrasound imaging, allowing doctors to visualize internal organs and monitor fetal development.
These transducers work by using piezoelectric materials, which change shape when an electric current is applied. This shape change generates ultrasonic waves that can travel through different mediums, such as air or water. When these waves encounter an object, they reflect back, and the transducer can detect these echoes to gather information about the object's distance and characteristics.