What happens to the frequency when the piezoelectric element is thinner?

When the thickness of the piezoelectric element decreases, the frequency of the sound wave produced by the transducer increases. This is due to the relationship between the thickness of the piezoelectric material and the resonant frequency of the transducer. Resonant frequency is inversely related to the thickness of the piezoelectric crystal; thinner elements vibrate faster and thus produce higher frequencies when stimulated.

In practical terms, shorter physical dimensions result in shorter wavelength ultrasound signals, leading to increased frequency outputs. This principle is critical in ultrasound imaging, where different frequencies are utilized for varying imaging depths and resolutions. Understanding this relationship allows sonographers to select transducers appropriate for specific diagnostic purposes.