Two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer array having transducer elements in a non-rectangular or hexagonal grid for medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging and ultrasound imaging system using same

Abstract

Two-dimensional transducer arrays used for one-, two- and three-dimensional medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging. The transducer arrays have transducer elements that are arranged in a non-rectangular, and preferably hexagonal grid. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer array has hexagonally shaped transducer elements. The transducer arrays may be fabricated as single or multiple layer structures. Sparse transducer arrays may be fabricated in a hexagonal grid by connecting selected transducer elements to the imaging system. Also, the transducer array may comprise random, vernier and spiral arrays fabricated in a hexagonal grid.