Ultrasonic Matching Layer Composite for Rat Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency ultrasound imaging of rat models is challenging due to highly attenuating and echogenic epidermal, dermal, and sub-dermal tissues, which result in high attenuation of ultrasonic energy and generation of reverb imaging artifacts, unlike mouse models which can be effectively imaged at frequencies from 20 MHz to over 60 MHz.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasonic transducer stacks with matching layers comprising composite materials loaded with micron-sized and nano-sized particles, or heavy and light particles, and cyanoacrylate, positioned between the piezoelectric layer and the lens layer to achieve acoustic impedance matching, thereby reducing energy loss and mitigating reverb artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high frequency ultrasound is used for imaging rat models, then imaging resolution is improved, but ultrasonic energy attenuation increases and reverb artifacts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces matching layers as intermediary components between the piezoelectric element and the rat tissue interface. These matching layers have acoustic impedance values that gradually transition between the high impedance of the piezoelectric material and the lower impedance of biological tissue, reducing impedance mismatch and minimizing ultrasonic energy reflection and attenuation at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching layers are constructed using composite materials with specifically engineered acoustic properties. By combining different materials with complementary acoustic characteristics, the patent creates layers that optimize acoustic impedance matching while maintaining mechanical stability and biocompatibility, thereby reducing energy loss during high frequency imaging.
2Measurement precision
If high frequency ultrasound is used for imaging rat models, then imaging resolution is improved, but reverb imaging artifacts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The matching layers serve as intermediary structures that prevent direct acoustic coupling between the piezoelectric element and the highly echogenic rat epidermal and dermal tissues. By introducing this intermediate layer with optimized acoustic properties, the patent reduces the generation of reverb artifacts caused by strong acoustic reflections at tissue interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional transducer design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity and bandwidth are compromised for high frequency imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer interface into multiple segmented matching layers, each with progressively optimized acoustic impedance values. This segmentation allows for finer control over acoustic energy transmission while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as each layer can be independently fabricated and assembled.
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
This approach enhances high frequency ultrasonic imaging of rats by improving sensitivity, reducing attenuation, and minimizing reverb artifacts, allowing for high resolution imaging while maintaining broad bandwidth and sensitivity, thus overcoming the imaging obstacles faced with rat tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer and at least one matching layer
Implementation Method 2
High frequency ultrasound has been widely used to image the mouse model at frequencies from about 20 megahertz (MHz) to over 60 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, matching layers for an ultrasonic transducer stack having a matching layer comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In another aspect, the matrix material is loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In another aspect, an ultrasound transducer stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and at least one matching layer. In one aspect, the matching layer comprises a composite material comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In a further aspect, the composite material can also comprise a matrix material loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In a further aspect, a matching layer can also comprise cyanoacrylate.