A 30-MHz piezo-composite ultrasound array for medical imaging applications

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2002 Feb;49(2):217-30. doi: 10.1109/58.985706.

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging at frequencies above 20 MHz is capable of achieving improved resolution in clinical applications requiring limited penetration depth. High frequency arrays that allow real-time imaging are desired for these applications but are not yet currently available. In this work, a method for fabricating fine-scale 2-2 composites suitable for 30-MHz linear array transducers was successfully demonstrated. High thickness coupling, low mechanical loss, and moderate electrical loss were achieved. This piezo-composite was incorporated into a 30-MHz array that included acoustic matching, an elevation focusing lens, electrical matching, and an air-filled kerf between elements. Bandwidths near 60%, 15-dB insertion loss, and crosstalk less than -30 dB were measured. Images of both a phantom and an ex vivo human eye were acquired using a synthetic aperture reconstruction method, resulting in measured lateral and axial resolutions of approximately 100 microm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts
  • Equipment Design
  • Eye / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Transducers*
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation*