Ultrasonic probe and method of manufacturing the same

摘要

An ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and an acoustic lens provided on an ultrasonic transmission/reception side of the piezoelectric element. The acoustic lens is formed in an acoustic lens shape by vulcanization formation through addition of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-t-butyl peroxy hexane as a vulcanizing agent to a composition prepared by addition of silica (SiO2) particles in an amount of 40 wt % to 50 wt % to silicone rubber with a dimethylpolysiloxane structure including vinyl groups. Thus, the ultrasonic transmission and reception sensitivity is improved and the degradation in frequency characteristics is diminished. Consequently, higher resolution of an ultrasonic image and higher sensitivity can be achieved.