IN SITU, HIGH SPEED SCANNING ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPE

扫描声学显微镜在超高频（100-1000 MHz）下工作，允许在微观尺度上观察组织，类似于光显微镜所提供的，还有一个额外的好处，即组织样本不需要进行活检。声学显微镜的潜在临床应用包括皮肤、食道、结肠和动脉细胞的原位成像。该项目的目标是为临床医生提供一种辅助或替代物理活检程序的工具。Creare正在努力完成一种创新的200兆赫的高速扫描声学显微镜的开发，用于原位成像，该显微镜采用氧化锌（ZnO）超声波换能器线性阵列，可以安装在内窥镜、结肠镜、支气管镜、腹腔镜或活检针上。我们的第一阶段结果清楚地证明了制造超高频超声换能器阵列的可行性。Creare制作了150 MHz的换能器阵列，测量了换能器元件的声学性能，并设计了用于临床使用的声学显微镜原型。在二期研究期间，Creare将对该阵列进行包装，用于重要的临床应用，并通过广泛的测试来评估该设备的实用性。拟议的商业应用：拟议的微型扫描声学显微镜将实现高分辨率，原位组织表征，我们希望在进行病理诊断时作为组织活检的辅助或替代。此外，它有可能彻底改变半导体工业的无损检测和评估实践。

Scanning acoustic microscopes which operate at ultra-high frequencies (100-1000 MHz), permit the visualization of tissues on a microscopic scale similar to that provided by light nncroscopy, with the added benefit that the tissue sampie does not need to be biopsied. Potential clinical applications of acoustic microscopy include in situ imaging of cells on the skin, in the esophagus, in the colon, and in arteries. The goal of this project is to provide the practicing clinician with a tool to serve as an adjunct or replacement for physical biopsy procedures. Creare is working to complete the development of an innovative high speed, 200 MHz, scanning acoustic microscope for in situ imaging that employs a linear array of zinc oxide (ZnO) ultrasonic transducers which can be mounted in an endoscope, colonoscope, bronchoscope, laparoscope, or biopsy needle. Our Phase I results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating ultra high frequency ultrasonic transducer arrays. Creare fabricated 150 MHz transducer arrays, measured the acoustic performance of transducer elements, and performed the design of a prototype acoustic microscope for clinical use. During Phase II, Creare will package the array for use in important clinical applications and evaluate the utility of the device with extensive testing. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The proposed miniature scanning acoustic microscope will enable high resolution, in situ tissue characterization that we expect to serve as an adjunct to or replacement for tissue biopsy in performing pathological diagnosis. In addition, it has the potential to revolutionize the practice of nondestructive testing and evaluation for the semiconductor industry.