Backing, transducer array and method for thermal survival

Abstract

Backing blocks, transducer arrays and methods are provided for thermal cycle survivability. By decoupling a portion of the backing block from a case used to contain the transducer stack, the greater thermal expansion properties of most backing blocks may be minimized. For example, a rim is formed on the backing block material. The rim is bonded to the case structure while other portions of the backing block remain free of bonding to the case structure. During thermal cycling or other temperature changes, the backing block may be less likely to expand or bulge and crack, delaminate or damage transducer elements or other transducer materials.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A method for connecting transducer components for thermal survival, the method comprising:
 (a) bonding transducer material to a backing block;   (b) positioning the backing block at least partially within a case; and   (c) bonding less than 50 percent of a surface area of the backing block to the case.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein (b) comprises surrounding sides of the backing block with the case. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein (b) comprises placing a rim on the backing block in contact with the case, portions of the backing block other than the rim being free of contact with the case, and wherein (c) comprises bonding the rim to the case. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein (b) comprises placing the rim, the rim surrounding a top surface of the backing block, the rim and the top surface being a full aperture size of the transducer material, the backing block having a region spaced from the top with a lesser area in cross section parallel to the top than the full aperture size. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein (c) comprises bonding less than 30 percent of the backing block to the case. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising:
 (d) covering a portion of the backing block prior to (c), the covering preventing bonding of the portion to the case.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 10  wherein (c) comprises providing an air gap between the backing block and the case for at least 50 percent of a surface area of sides of the backing block. 
   
   
       17 - 20 . (canceled)