Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the West of Scotland
Department Name: Physical Sciences
Abstract
The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. Real-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.Piezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupling means that multi-element arrays can be defined from monolithic piezocomposite plates. However, difficulties manufacturing material with micron-scale dimensions has blocked adoption in high frequency ultrasonic transducers and arrays. In the research programme being proposed, ultrasonic arrays will be created to operate for the first time at frequencies potentially as high as 100 MHz, suitable for ultrahigh resolution imaging in real time. The key to this advance will be the ultrafine scale piezocomposites we will produce with optimised net shape ceramic processing technology, in combination with state-of-the-art composite design. This will be a major step forward in enabling real time biomedical ultrasonic imaging at presently impossible frequencies, ultimately allowing new understanding and better diagnosis of a range of medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, small parts cancers, dentistry, and the cardiovascular system, sometimes in intralumenal configurations.
Publications
Hughes DA
(2009)
Investigation of dental samples using a 35MHz focussed ultrasound piezocomposite transducer.
in Ultrasonics
Henry Sweet J
(2009)
Concepts and issues in piezo-on-3D silicon structures
in Sensor Review
Bernassau A
(2009)
Progress towards wafer-scale fabrication of ultrasound arrays for real-time high-resolution biomedical imaging
in Sensor Review
N/a Garcia-Gancedo
(2010)
Application of gelcasting to the fabrication of ultrafine-scale pillar arrays for high frequency biomedical ultrasonic transducers
in Electroceramics
Description | This grant was held at the University of the West of Scotland for a period of 16 months. During this time, preparatory work was done which provided the foundation for continuation of the work when the project leader moved to the University of Dundee. The key discoveries and developments for the grant as a whole (beginning at UWS and continuing in Dundee) are described under Grant EP/D058961/2. |
Exploitation Route | Please see details under Grant EP/D058961/2. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Electronics Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
URL | http://www.afm-ltd.com |
Description | The findings from this grant translated directly into the foundations for Grant EP/D058961/2 at the University of Dundee. Please see details of that grant for ultimate use of the findings. |
First Year Of Impact | 2007 |
Sector | Healthcare |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Heriot-Watt University |
Organisation | Heriot-Watt University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Logitech Ltd |
Organisation | Logitech Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
Start Year | 2007 |
Title | Ultrasound transducer array |
Description | |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | No |
Title | Wire bond free interconnection for high frequency piezoelectric ultrasound arrays above 50 MHz |
Description | |
IP Reference | WO2011033271 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | No |