MATCHING LAYERS FOR ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND MANUFACTURING METHODS THEREFORE

摘要

The present invention provides a matching layer (30) for facilitating the transmission of ultrasound energy between an ultrasound source and a target. The matching layer has an acoustic impedance that decreases across the matching layer, and comprises at least ten adjacent composites (32), each composite comprising a carrier material (40) and each composite having an acoustic impedance lower than that of the adjacent composite. Additionally, a plurality of the composites further comprise a dopant (42). Also provided is a method for forming a composite for use in such a matching layer.