Two-dimensional transducer arrays for medical ultrasound: beamforming and imaging  (Invited Paper)

Daniel H. Turnbull; F. Stuart Foster

doi:10.1117/12.130598

5 November 1992 Two-dimensional transducer arrays for medical ultrasound: beamforming and imaging (Invited Paper)

Daniel H. Turnbull, F. Stuart Foster

Proceedings Volume 1733, New Developments in Ultrasonic Transducers and Transducer Systems; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130598
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2-D) transducer arrays offer the potential for improving medical ultrasound imaging by producing symmetrically focused ultrasound beams which can be steered throughout a three-dimensional volume. Theoretical investigations of the beamforming properties of 2-D arrays have characterized the array parameters required to steer the beam up to 45 degree(s) off-axis. These investigations have also shown that the number of elements in a steered 2-D array can be dramatically reduced using a sparse set of elements, randomly distributed throughout the transducer aperture. The penalty paid for the use of a sparse array is the development of a `pedestal' sidelobe in the beam profile, the amplitude of which increases as the number of elements in the array decreases. The potential of 2-D arrays for medical imaging has been assessed by simulating images of spherical lesions embedded in a random scattering medium. Similar contrast characteristics over a range of cyst sizes are demonstrated for a dense 2-D array and a sparse array with 1/8th the number of elements, both operating at 5 MHz. A 32nd order sparse array was found to perform at a reduced level, producing unacceptable artifactual echoes within images of cysts. Experimental results are described which verify some of the theoretical predictions.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel H. Turnbull and F. Stuart Foster "Two-dimensional transducer arrays for medical ultrasound: beamforming and imaging (Invited Paper)", Proc. SPIE 1733, New Developments in Ultrasonic Transducers and Transducer Systems, (5 November 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130598

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