Advances in transducers and techniques for diagnostic ultrasound

Abstract

Until recently, diagnostic imaging systems have remained stable with familiar modesto be measured. Emerging technologies are changing the measurement landscaperapidly. New developments are reviewed as well as those in research to examine thepossible measurement challenges of the future. Improved focusing and steering areavailable with 1.5 D, multiple subaperture arrays, fully populated and sparse 2Darrays, and CMUT arrays. Encoded excitation pulses provide unique consideration.High frequency and special purpose arrays stretch the present limits of measurementbandwidth and resolution. Special auxiliary pulses and pulse sequences are beingproposed for controlling, manipulating and destroying contrast agents and speciallyformulated therapeutic contrast agents. Improved harmonic imaging can involvemultiple phased pulses as well as types of encoding. Active tissue characterizationmethods may include a means for tissue deformation as well as aberration correction.Imaging systems are undergoing a dramatic revolution in terms of their architecture,complexity, miniaturization and the role of software in image formation. Thesedevelopments will be examined in terms of field distribution, pressure levels, pulsesequencing, waveforms and measurement