A novel device for determining ultrasonic power

A novel concept for an ultrasonic power meter is presented which utilises the pyro-electric effect of a thin membrane of the piezo-electric polymer, pvdf. One side of the membrane is in intimate contact with a polyurethane-based acoustical absorber. The attenuation coefficient of this material is very high, ensuring that the majority of the ultrasonic energy passing through the pvdf membrane is absorbed within a thin layer of the interface, resulting in a rapid increase in temperature. Through the pyro-electric effect, this temperature increase results in a voltage across the electrodes of the membrane. Under specific conditions, the generated voltage is proportional to the rate of temperature rise and, immediately after switch on of ultrasound, the rate of temperature rise is proportional to the delivered ultrasonic power. This paper describes details of the concept, and includes theoretical calculations of the expected behaviour. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated through careful studies of several low-megahertz NPL reference therapy-level transducers, covering an applied power range of 250 mW to 8 W. Results are encouraging, suggesting that this novel solid-state power meter concept holds considerable promise for a rapid, simple, relatively low cost, power measurement method, appropriate for use at the physiotherapist level.