Methods and devices for ultrasound scanning by moving subapertures of cylindrical ultrasound transducer arrays in two dimensions

Abstract

Methods of scanning using a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound transducer array are disclosed. The 2D ultrasound transducer arrays include at least one row of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a curved dimension of the array and at least one column of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a linear dimension of the array. A 2D ultrasound transducer array can be used to scan by defining a sub-aperture of the 2D ultrasound transducer array that includes a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements in the curved dimension of the array and in the linear dimension of the array and exciting the ultrasound transducer elements included in the sub-aperture to generate a transmit/receive ultrasound beam. Related 2D ultrasound transducer arrays and elements are also disclosed.