Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Practice Test

Which transducer frequency is associated with having the thinnest piezoelectric crystal?

1. 5MHz

2. 10MHz

3. 15MHz

4. 20MHz

The correct answer is: 15MHz

The correct choice is associated with the principles of piezoelectric crystals and their function in ultrasound transducers. In general, to achieve higher frequencies for ultrasound applications, the thickness of the piezoelectric crystal decreases. This is fundamentally due to the relationship between the frequency of the ultrasound wave generated and the physical dimensions of the transducer. For transducers, the frequency is determined by the speed of sound in the piezoelectric material and the thickness of the crystal. Higher frequencies correspond to thinner crystals because the frequency is inversely proportional to the thickness of the piezoelectric element. Hence, at 15MHz, the piezoelectric crystal must be thinner compared to lower frequencies such as 5MHz or even 10MHz. The thinner the crystal, the higher the frequency it can produce effectively. While 20MHz would typically imply a very thin crystal, the comparison shows that 15MHz falls right before 20MHz, making it consistent with the design limits often found in medical ultrasound frequency ranges while still maintaining acceptable performance characteristics. Understanding this relationship helps clarify the design and application of ultrasound transducers in various NDT scenarios and medical diagnostics, where higher frequencies provide better resolution but also require meticulous attention to crystal thickness.