Mixed Transducer Array Image Compounding for Bandwidth and Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound transducers, such as piezoelectric materials and CMUT probes, suffer from limited bandwidth, sensitivity, and operational limitations, making them unsuitable for harmonic imaging, and there is a need for mixed transducer arrays with higher bandwidth and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A mixed transducer array combining non-optical transducers like piezoelectric or CMUT with optical sensors such as whispering gallery mode optical resonators, capable of generating and receiving ultrasound signals, to form compound images through signal processing and compounding algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric transducers are used, then ultrasound imaging capability is achieved, but bandwidth is limited to about 70-80%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines piezoelectric transducers with optical sensors into a mixed transducer array. The piezoelectric elements provide robust ultrasound generation and detection, while optical sensors add high bandwidth capability, achieving over 100% bandwidth through complementary integration of different transducer technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite transducer architecture integrating different material systems - piezoelectric materials for mechanical-to-electrical conversion and optical materials for high-bandwidth detection. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its strengths, achieving both sensitivity and extended bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If single crystal materials are used, then performance is improved, but Curie temperature decreases and brittleness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple element types - piezoelectric elements, optical sensors, and other specialized transducers. This segmentation allows each element type to be optimized for specific functions while distributing thermal and mechanical stresses, preventing single-point failure and maintaining operational temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the transducer array by incorporating optical sensors that operate on different physical principles than piezoelectric materials. This parameter diversification allows the system to achieve high imaging performance without being constrained by the temperature limitations of single crystal piezoelectric materials.
3Measurement precision
If CMUT probes are used, then bandwidth is increased, but sensitivity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CMUT elements with piezoelectric transducers and optical sensors in a mixed array configuration. The CMUTs contribute their high bandwidth capability, while piezoelectric elements and optical sensors compensate for sensitivity limitations, achieving both high bandwidth and maintained sensitivity through collaborative operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transducer array have specialized local qualities - CMUT elements are positioned where high bandwidth is prioritized, while piezoelectric elements with higher sensitivity are placed in regions requiring robust detection. This local optimization allows the overall system to achieve both high bandwidth and sensitivity through spatial distribution of specialized functions.
4Measurement precision
If optical sensors are added to create mixed arrays, then bandwidth and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed transducer array is designed with multi-functionality where different transducer types can operate in complementary modes. The system can selectively activate different element types based on imaging requirements, allowing a single array to perform multiple imaging functions (high bandwidth mode, high sensitivity mode, harmonic imaging) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 mixed transducer array enhances imaging performance with improved spatial resolution, contrast resolution, penetration depth, signal-to-noise ratio, and Doppler sensitivity, producing a more complete understanding of the imaging target.
Implementation Method 1
one or more array elements of the second type may include an optical sensor... generate a second image from the second signal... receive a second signal
Implementation Method 2
The one or more array elements of the first type may include, for example, a piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 3
a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging may include receiving a first signal from one or more array elements of a first type in a mixed transducer array, receiving a second signal from one or more array elements of a second type in the mixed transducer array, where at least one of the first type or the second type is a tunable optical resonator and selectively configured to operate in different quality factor modes, generating a first image from the first signal and a second image from the second signal, and combining the first image and the second image to generate a compound image.