SBIR Phase I: Multi-Thickness Mode Harmonic Array

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)一期项目将设计和开发一种非常宽带和高灵敏度的探头，使用多厚度模式单晶铁电体；具有优异的机电耦合系数。提出的阵列探头的独特设计将产生在亚谐、一次和二次谐波频率下工作所需的两个倍频程带宽。在本项目中，一次谐波发射/接收频率为4.0 MHz，对应的次谐波回波和二次谐波回波分别为2.0 MHz和8.0 MHz。该项目将开发一种具有多个共振频率的单晶线性阵列。一个16个单元的阵列将被制造出来，利用“骰子和填充”的方法，这种方法非常适合医学成像常见的频率区域(1-10 MHz)。使用基于微泡的超声造影剂测量液体的时间和光谱散射回波将证明其可行性。如果成功，更广泛的影响/商业潜力将是许多临床应用的重大进步，例如心肌灌注的增强检测、肾实质的灌注异常和肝脏肿瘤。长期目标是开发一种可用于多种诊断研究的单一探头：成人和儿童腹部、乳房、外周血管、小部位、肌肉骨骼和心脏(胸骨下)。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and develop a very broadband and high sensitivity probe via the use of multi-thickness mode single crystal ferroelectrics; having superior electromechanical coupling coefficient. The unique design of the proposed array probe will produce the required two-octave bandwidth for operating at the subharmonic, first harmonic and second harmonic frequencies. In this project, the first harmonic transmit/receive frequency will be 4.0 MHz with corresponding subharmonic and second harmonic echoes at 2.0 MHz and 8.0 MHz, respectively. This project will develop a single crystal linear array with multi-resonance frequencies. A 16-element array will be fabricated, utilizing the "dice and fill" method that is ideally suited for the frequency regime common to medical imaging (1-10 MHz). Feasibility will be demonstrated with measurement of the temporal and spectral scattered echo returns from a fluid with microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agent.The broader impact/commercial potential if successful, will be a significant advancement of numerous clinical applications, such as the enhanced detection of myocardial perfusion, perfusion abnormalities of kidney parenchyma, and liver tumors. The long-term goal is to develop a single probe amenable for several diagnostic studies: adult and pediatric abdominal, breast, peripheral vascular, small parts, musculoskeletal, and cardiac (sub-sternum).