Robert Wodnicki;Josquin Foiret;Baoqiang Liu;Ning Lu;Xin Sun;Junhang Zhang;Haochen Kang;Lei Fu;Christophe Notard;Mathieu Legros;Chi-Feng Chang;Jesse T. Yen;Qifa Zhou;Katherine W. Ferrara
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Large-aperture 2-D arrays benefit from improved lateral resolution at depth, due to the dependence of beamwidth on the inverse of the aperture width, and improved contrast resolution due to electronic focusing. We have been developing modular large-aperture multirow 1024 (64 azimuth $\times 16$ elevation) element, 2-D arrays based on custom-designed and locally integrated application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) multiplexing devices. The implemented handheld large-array prototype probe for human imaging consists of multiple rows with multiplexed synthetic aperture in elevation and planewave transmits in azimuth. The pitch of the acoustic array is $650~\mu $ m in azimuth by $1000~\mu $ m in elevation, with a 2.4 MHz fractional bandwidth (FBW =88%) center frequency and total active aperture of $42\times 16$ mm. We interfaced the large aperture array and multiplexing ASICs, along with local preamplifier devices for improved sensitivity, and a local FPGA for digital ASIC control, to a configurable ultrasound imaging platform and demonstrate 2-D orthogonal and full 3D beamformed imaging. The implemented imaging prototype includes local buffering for improved sensitivity of the high-impedance 2-D array elements, and realizes penetration down to 140 mm, experimental lateral/axial resolution at 67 mm of 1.1/0.4 mm, and maximum experimental CNR of 2.1 for 8 mm cylindrical cysts and 1.7 for 10 mm spherical cysts. We demonstrate in vivo imaging of liver in human volunteers utilizing a hermetically sealed and safety-validated handheld prototype of the large 2-D array. Preliminary results are promising for clinical imaging in future studies.
期刊介绍:
IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control includes the theory, technology, materials, and applications relating to: (1) the generation, transmission, and detection of ultrasonic waves and related phenomena; (2) medical ultrasound, including hyperthermia, bioeffects, tissue characterization and imaging; (3) ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and piezomagnetic materials, including crystals, polycrystalline solids, films, polymers, and composites; (4) frequency control, timing and time distribution, including crystal oscillators and other means of classical frequency control, and atomic, molecular and laser frequency control standards. Areas of interest range from fundamental studies to the design and/or applications of devices and systems.