Broadband EMFi-based transducers for ultrasonic air applications

In this work, we explore the possibilities of electromechanical film (EMFi) as a new material for developing broadband transducers for ultrasonic air applications. The advantages of the EMFi film are its wide usable frequency range and easiness to use, making it highly suitable for self-made, customizable ultrasonic sensors. This paper presents theoretical and experimental information focused on the needs of the sensor's end-user, namely, frequency response, actual dynamic mass and Young's modulus, bandwidth, sensitivity, electromechanical dynamical model, acoustic response, and directivity. It is found empirically that the behavior of the film as an almost ideal piston-like acoustic source permits accurate prediction of the characteristics of transducers built on a developable surface. The results obtained represent the first step to more complex geometries, and, ultimately, to completely customizable field ultrasonic transducers.