MULTI-FREQUENCY ARRAY FOR HARMONIC IMAGING

这项拟议的研究将开发一种新型的、高动态范围的多频率换能器阵列，用于宽带组织成像。新的阵列将利用相同或不同材料的元件以不同的厚度模式共振，以允许在亚谐、一次和二次谐波频率下工作。一个元素将针对发送进行优化，另外两个元素将针对接收进行优化。在本研究中，一次谐波发射/接收频率将为5.0 MHz，对应的次谐波回波和二次谐波回波分别为2.5 MHz和10.0 MHz。在第一阶段，分层制造公司将在罗格斯大学陶瓷研究中心的支持下，开发由三个不同频率的三个平行阵列组成的小型共线阵列。压电陶瓷换能器阵列将利用专利分层制造技术制造，该技术非常适合医学成像常见的频率范围(1-10 MHz)。可行性演示将包括使用基于微泡的超声造影剂测量流体的散射回波。在第二阶段，将制造一个2-D阵列，其中散布着多频率换能器元件，以及用于成像动物的各种成像模式，无论是否使用超声造影剂。拟议的商业应用：如果多频率换能器阵列的设计被证明是成功的，那么分层制造公司准备将该技术授权给所有的超声系统公司。LMI还准备在商业上为特定应用提供特殊的换能器阵列，特别是在10 MHz以上的高频下。

The proposed study will develop a novel, high dynamic range multi- frequency transducer array designed for broad-band tissue imaging. The new array would utilize elements of the same or different materials resonating in different thickness modes to permit operating at the subharmonic, first harmonic and second harmonic frequencies. One element will be optimized for transmit and the other two optimized for receive. In this study, the first harmonic transmit/receive frequency will be 5.0 MHz with corresponding subharmonic and second harmonic echoes at 2.5 MHz and 10.0 MHz, respectively. In Phase I, Layered Manufacturing Inc., with the support of the Center for Ceramic Research of Rutgers University, will develop a small co-linear array of three parallel arrays at three different frequencies. The piezoceramic transducer arrays will be fabricated utilizing patented layered manufacturing techniques that are ideally suited for the frequency regime common to medical imaging (1-10 MHz). A feasibility demonstration will include the measurement of the scattered echo returns from a fluid with a microbubble- based ultrasound contrast agent. In Phase II, a 2-D array will be fabricated, interspersed with multi-frequency transducer elements, and the various imaging modes used to image animals, with and without an ultrasound contrast agent. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: If the design of a multi-frequency transducer array proves successful, then Layered Manufacturing Inc. is prepared to license the technology to all ultrasound system companies. LMI is also prepared to commercially provide special transducer arrays for specific applications, particularly at high frequencies, above 10 MHz.