Glass Bead Matching Layer for Transparent Ultrasound Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-modality ultrasound and photoacoustic (USPA) imaging systems face challenges with bulky imaging heads, significant acoustic coupling requirements, limited imaging speed, discomfort to subjects, restricted movement of the imaging head, and artifacts due to bubble formation in the coupling medium.
Innovation Solution
The use of a glass bead (GB) matching layer design for optically transparent ultrasound transducers (TUTs), which enhances both acoustic sensitivity and detection bandwidth while allowing uniform light distribution for shadow-free photoacoustic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large acoustic coupling medium is used to fill the gap between the transducer and tissue surface, then acoustic coupling is improved, but imaging speed is limited due to extra travel distance for ultrasound and photoacoustic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a matching layer as an intermediary component between the transducer and tissue surface. This matching layer is specifically designed with acoustic impedance properties that facilitate efficient acoustic coupling while maintaining a compact structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving acoustic coupling and maintaining imaging speed.
2Illumination intensity
If the imaging head is placed 1 cm to 2 cm away from the tissue surface to co-align light into the ultrasound imaging plane, then light alignment is improved, but the gap requires significant acoustic coupling medium which brings discomfort to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the distance between the imaging head and tissue surface to a minimal gap (less than 1 cm). The matching layer compensates for the reduced distance by providing acoustic impedance matching, allowing both light and ultrasound to be effectively coupled to the tissue without requiring a large separation distance, thereby reducing subject discomfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging head is moved from one position to another position on the tissue surface, then imaging coverage is improved, but artifacts are introduced due to bubble formation inside the coupling medium
Solution Approach 1:
The matching layer serves as a stable intermediary interface between the transducer and tissue. This interface minimizes the formation of air bubbles and other artifacts during imaging head movement, allowing the imaging head to be repositioned across the tissue surface without compromising image quality or introducing artifacts.
4Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound transducer arrays are used, then anatomical contrast imaging is achieved, but the transducer is not transparent to light requiring complex arrangement of light guides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the transducer materials optically transparent or translucent in the specific region where light needs to pass through. This allows light to be delivered directly through the transducer face without requiring complex external light guide arrangements, while maintaining the ultrasound imaging capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The GB matching layer improves photoacoustic and pulse-echo bandwidth by 139% and 228%, respectively, and provides enhanced acoustic coupling, optimizing light delivery and reducing artifacts, thereby enabling more efficient and compact USPA imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The GB matching layer improves photoacoustic and pulse-echo bandwidth by 139% and 228%, respectively, and provides enhanced acoustic coupling
Implementation Method 2
allowing uniform light distribution for shadow-free photoacoustic imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A matching layer for an ultrasound imaging head includes a translucent matrix and a plurality of translucent particles (e.g, glass beads, etc.) disposed in the translucent matrix. A volume fraction of the plurality of translucent glass beads in the translucent matrix is selected to provide a predetermined acoustic impedance. The diameter of the glass beads of the plurality of glass beads may be selected to provide a predetermined acoustic impedance. The matching layer may be disposed on a transparent piezoelectric element. Such an arrangement may be configured for photoacoustic imaging. An illumination source may provide light to a region of interest, and the light may be transmitted at least partially through the transparent piezoelectric element and the matching layer.