Linear array transducers for vibro-acoustography

In this work, we present computational simulations of the beamforming in transducers with two linear arrays for vibro-acoustography. The simulation will be used as the basis of linear array design for vibro-acoustography imaging. The point spread function (PSF) of the system defined as the stress field at the focal zone, is obtained as the product of the spatial impulse functions of the arrays. Grating lobe effects in the stress field are analyzed. Results show that a transverse resolution of about (2/spl times/3) mm, with proper grating lobe suppression, can be achieved by using two 32-element arrays. Furthermore, the variations on the PSF of the vibro-acoustography system based on linear arrays are reasonably acceptable for medical imaging applications.