Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: IRC in Materials Processing
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.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Tim Button (Principal Investigator) | |
Bo Su (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Bernassau A
(2009)
Progress towards wafer-scale fabrication of ultrasound arrays for real-time high-resolution biomedical imaging
in Sensor Review
Clipsham T
(2010)
1-3 Piezocomposites realised from small feature size, high aspect ratio, hot embossed moulds. Part II: piezocomposite fabrication
in Microsystem Technologies
Clipsham T
(2010)
1-3 Piezocomposites realised from small feature size, high aspect ratio, hot embossed moulds. Part I. Mould development
in Microsystem Technologies
GarcĂa-Gancedo L
(2012)
Application of gel-casting to the fabrication of 1-3 piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composites for high-frequency ultrasound devices
in Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering
Hughes DA
(2009)
Investigation of dental samples using a 35MHz focussed ultrasound piezocomposite transducer.
in Ultrasonics
Zhang D
(2007)
Improvements in the structural integrity of green ceramic microcomponents by a modified soft moulding process
in Journal of the European Ceramic Society
Description | Development of processes for the fabrication of piezoelctric composite materials and array devices with the potential for high resolution ultrasound biomedical imaging. New composite device designs for improved performance. Demonstration of high frequency ultrasound single element and array devices for use in tissue, cancer and dental applications. |
Exploitation Route | Further R&D and commercialisation of novel piezoelectric composite materials and devices for high resolution ultroasound transducers for medical imaging and non-destructive testing applications. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
Description | Key background understanding and property data of piezoelectric composite materials have enabled the design and development of high frequency ultrasound transducers for biomedical imaging applications via a spin-out company, and led to follow-on funding for the University and commercialisation funding for the company. |
First Year Of Impact | 2008 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Title | Ultasound Transducer Array |
Description | The patent describes a novel piezoelectric composite design methodology in which the piezoelectric elements are arranged randomly. This eliminates any spurious resonance modes within the composite and the array transducer in which it used, thereby improving its performance. The designs are relevant to any operation frequency, but are particularly important in high frequency devices (>20MHz) where the smaller pillar and kerf requirements of regular composite designs are compromised by fabrication limitations. |
IP Reference | GB0916427.8 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2009 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Ongoing work on exploitation via a spin-out company. |
Company Name | Applied Functional Materials Ltd |
Description | AFM was established in 2004 to develop components for ultrasound devices using micro-scale ceramic manufacturing techniques developed at the University of Birmingham. The company possesses a platform of novel ceramic processing technologies which enable the manufacture of unique functional ceramic devices in complex shapes and micro-scale sizes. The company has established a niche position in the development and supply of bespoke ceramic components. |
Year Established | 2004 |
Impact | The company spent several years developing its own product set, utilising grants in excess of £900k. The first iteration of this technology (a high-frequency single element transducer) has now been technically proven and patent protected and is generating significant interest from end users in the medical imaging market. Over the last 18-months, the company has successfully engaged with component manufacturers and OEMs operating in a $5bn market, and has established a strong pipeline of potential customers and licensees. |
Website | http://www.afm-ltd.com |