Focal zone characteristics of stepped Fresnel and axicon acoustic lenses

Flat Fresnel and axicon acoustic lenses were developed and characterized both numerically and experimentally. Flat lenses have a compact profile leading to less attenuation and phase distortion in the bulk lens material. Fresnel lenses approximate spherical focusing to a fixed point whereas the axicon focuses to a narrow focal line, producing a tighter lateral beam over a longer depth. Numerical models of the sound pressure field from both types of lenses were done using the angular spectrum method. The lenses were 3D printed with polylactic acid (PLA) and also lathe cut with transparent polystyrene. Pulse-echo measurements of the sound speed were done for both materials. Pressure field scans were conducted using a 1.2 MHz planar transducer in a hydrophone scanning tank. These scans demonstrate the focusing effect of both types of lenses and are in agreement with the numerical model.